A vehicle having a pair of electric actuators for use with a pair of drive apparatuses is disclosed herein. For each actuator, an electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position a control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector.

An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position a control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector.

An apparatus for transfer of a torque from an internal combustion engine to an auxiliary unit has an auxiliary unit shaft and a pulley rotatably disposed on the auxiliary unit housing. The pulley and the auxiliary unit shaft are connected with one another by an overload protection device configured to interrupt the connection between the pulley and the auxiliary unit shaft if a predetermined torque is exceeded. The overload protection device has a spring washer having multiple spring arms connected, on the end side, with connection elements of a disk-shaped driver until the predetermined torque is reached. Each connection element is configured as a pocket-shaped mounting in the driver, wherein the respective spring arm end lies against a contact surface of the pocket-shaped mounting under spring tension, with force fit. The respective pocket-shaped mounting is configured as a hook-shaped crosspiece cut out of the driver in certain regions.

This application describes clutch mechanisms for use in a steering control system, e.g., a steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such clutch mechanisms can reduce and avoid damage to the steering control system (e.g., a steering motor) when the system is subjected to unusually large impact loads (e.g., when the trolling motor or boat contacts an obstruction). The clutches described in this application can be used to decouple the steering control system from a steering shaft (or other drive mechanism) upon application of a large impact load, thus reducing damage to and increasing the lifespan of such system. In some cases, the clutch is a ball and spring mechanism. In other cases, the clutch is a slip tooth mechanism.

An actuator has an actuator housing engaged to a portion of a transaxle housing to define a space. A clutch assembly has a support shaft extending through the actuator housing and rotatably supporting gears in the space. At least one pin extends through one gear and a spring urges the pin into engagement with a second gear. An adjustment nut extends through the actuator housing and engages the support shaft to adjustably compress the spring. The actuator may further have an actuator housing forming a motor chamber and a gear chamber. A mounting plate detachably couples the actuator and pump housings, and the plate defines an opening through which a pump control shaft extends. A worm drive is disposed in the gear chamber and driven by an electric motor shaft, and drives a spur gear reduction, the pump control shaft being controlled by the spur gear reduction.

This application describes clutch mechanisms for use in a steering control system, e.g., a steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such clutch mechanisms can reduce and avoid damage to the steering control system (e.g., a steering motor) when the system is subjected to unusually large impact loads (e.g., when the trolling motor or boat contacts an obstruction). The clutches described in this application can be used to decouple the steering control system from a steering shaft (or other drive mechanism) upon application of a large impact load, thus reducing damage to and increasing the lifespan of such system. In some cases, the clutch is a ball and spring mechanism. In other cases, the clutch is a slip tooth mechanism.

This application describes clutch mechanisms for use in a steering control system, e.g., a steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such clutch mechanisms can reduce and avoid damage to the steering control system (e.g., a steering motor) when the system is subjected to unusually large impact loads (e.g., when the trolling motor or boat contacts an obstruction). The clutches described in this application can be used to decouple the steering control system from a steering shaft (or other drive mechanism) upon application of a large impact load, thus reducing damage to and increasing the lifespan of such system. In some cases, the clutch is a ball and spring mechanism. In other cases, the clutch is a slip tooth mechanism.

A torque limiter assembly is disclosed comprising a housing having at least one first engagement member, an input shaft that is rotatable relative to the housing and having at least one second engagement member; and an electromagnet. The electromagnet 10 is arranged and configured such that when activated it generates a magnetic field that moves the at least one first engagement member relative to the at least one second engagement member, such that the first and second engagement members engage each other and stop or inhibit rotation of the input shaft relative to the housing.

An electric actuator for use with a drive apparatus is disclosed herein. An electric motor drives a reduction gear train to position a control shaft, the reduction gear train having a worm drive that motivates a spur gear reduction. A slip clutch is disposed between the worm drive and spur gear reduction to protect the components of the reduction gear train, and to also place a limit on the torque applied to the control shaft. The housing of the electric actuator features a motor chamber to accommodate the electric motor and is sealed by a cap having an electric connector.

This application describes clutch mechanisms for use in a steering control system, e.g., a steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such clutch mechanisms can reduce and avoid damage to the steering control system (e.g., a steering motor) when the system is subjected to unusually large impact loads (e.g., when the trolling motor or boat contacts an obstruction). The clutches described in this application can be used to decouple the steering control system from a steering shaft (or other drive mechanism) upon application of a large impact load, thus reducing damage to and increasing the lifespan of such system. In some cases, the clutch is a ball and spring mechanism. In other cases, the clutch is a slip tooth mechanism.