STEERING CYLINDER AND STEERING SYSTEM FOR OUTBOARD ENGINES

Abstract

A steering cylinder for an outboard engine of a marine vessel. The steering cylinder includes a first cylinder including a first fluid port and a second fluid port. The first cylinder defines a first space. The steering cylinder includes a second cylinder defining a first end and a second end. The second cylinder defines a second space housing a hollow piston. The second cylinder is configured to move with respect to the first cylinder. The steering cylinder includes a hollow piston rod positioned at least partially within the first space and defining a first end and a second end, the first end being fluidly coupled with the first fluid port and the second end being coupled to the hollow piston. The steering cylinder is configured to actuate between an extended position and a retracted position to steer the marine vessel.

Claims

1. A steering cylinder for an outboard engine of a marine vessel, the steering cylinder comprising: a first cylinder including a first fluid port and a second fluid port, the first fluid port positioned on a first end cap, and the first cylinder defining a first space; a second cylinder defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second cylinder defining a second space housing a hollow piston, wherein the second cylinder is configured to move with respect to the first cylinder; and a hollow piston rod positioned at least partially within the first space and defining a first end and a second end, the first end being fluidly coupled with the first fluid port and the second end being coupled to the hollow piston, wherein the steering cylinder is configured to actuate between an extended position and a retracted position to steer the marine vessel, wherein in the extended position, the second cylinder is configured to move away from the first end cap, and in the retracted position, the second cylinder is configured to move towards the first end cap.

2. The steering cylinder of claim 1, wherein the first cylinder is an outer cylinder, and the second cylinder is an inner cylinder, wherein the outer cylinder includes a first piston positioned within the first space and coupled with the first end of the inner cylinder, and wherein in the extended position, the inner cylinder along with the first piston is configured to move away from the first end cap, and in the retracted position, the inner cylinder along with the first piston is configured to move towards the first end cap.

3. The steering cylinder of claim 2, wherein in the extended position, hydraulic fluid flows into the second space from the first fluid port to move the first piston along with the inner cylinder away from the first end cap, wherein the hydraulic fluid flows into the second space through the hollow piston rod and the hollow piston, and wherein in the retracted position, the hydraulic fluid flows into the first space from the second fluid port to move the first piston along with the inner cylinder towards the first end cap.

4. The steering cylinder of claim 1, wherein the first cylinder is coupled to a tilt tube of the outboard engine, wherein the second cylinder is configured to partially move within the tilt tube, and wherein the second end of the second cylinder is coupled to a link arm of the outboard engine.

5. A steering system for steering an outboard engine of a marine vessel, the steering system comprising: a tilt tube coupled to the outboard engine; a link arm defining a first end and a second end; a tiller arm coupled between the second end of the link arm and a rudder of the outboard engine; and a steering cylinder coupled to the first end of the link arm, the steering cylinder comprising: a first cylinder including a first fluid port and a second fluid port, the first fluid port positioned on a first end cap, and the first cylinder defining a first space; a second cylinder defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second cylinder defining a second space housing a hollow piston, wherein the second cylinder is configured to move with respect to the first cylinder; and a hollow piston rod positioned at least partially within the first space and defining a first end and a second end, the first end being fluidly coupled with the first fluid port and the second end being coupled to the hollow piston, wherein the steering cylinder is configured to actuate between an extended position and a retracted position to steer the marine vessel, wherein in the extended position, the second cylinder is configured to move away from the first end cap, and in the retracted position, the second cylinder is configured to move towards the first end cap.

6. The steering system of claim 5, wherein the first cylinder is an outer cylinder, and the second cylinder is an inner cylinder, wherein the outer cylinder includes a first piston positioned within the first space and coupled with the first end of the inner cylinder, and wherein in the extended position, the inner cylinder along with the first piston is configured to move away from the first end cap, and in the retracted position, the inner cylinder along with the first piston is configured to move towards the first end cap.

7. The steering system of claim 6, wherein in the extended position, hydraulic fluid flows into the second space from the first fluid port to move the first piston along with the inner cylinder away from the first end cap, wherein the hydraulic fluid flows into the second space through the hollow piston rod and the hollow piston, and wherein in the retracted position, the hydraulic fluid flows into the first space from the second fluid port to move the first piston along with the inner cylinder towards the first end cap.

8. The steering system of claim 5, wherein the first cylinder is coupled to the tilt tube of the outboard engine, wherein the second cylinder is configured to partially move within the tilt tube, and wherein the second end of the second cylinder is coupled to the link arm of the outboard engine.

9. The steering system of claim 8, wherein the tilt tube defines a first end and a second end opposite to the first end wherein each of the first end and the second end includes a threaded portion to receive a lock nut for coupling the steering cylinder with the tilt tube.

10. A marine vessel comprising: an outboard engine mounted on a hull of the marine vessel; and a steering system for steering the outboard engine, the steering system comprising: a tilt tube coupled to the outboard engine; a link arm defining a first end and a second end; a tiller arm coupled between the second end of the link arm and a rudder of the outboard engine; and a steering cylinder coupled to the first end of the link arm, the steering cylinder comprising: a first cylinder including a first fluid port and a second fluid port, the first fluid port positioned on a first end cap, and the first cylinder defining a first space; a second cylinder defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second cylinder defining a second space housing a hollow piston, wherein the second cylinder is configured to move with respect to the first cylinder; and a hollow piston rod positioned at least partially within the first space and defining a first end and a second end, the first end being fluidly coupled with the first fluid port and the second end being coupled to the hollow piston, wherein the steering cylinder is configured to actuate between an extended position and a retracted position to steer the marine vessel, wherein in the extended position, the second cylinder is configured to move away from the first end cap, and in the retracted position, the second cylinder is configured to move towards the first end cap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic view of a boat including an outboard engine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exemplary front view of the outboard engine of FIG. 1 having a steering cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exemplary front view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 2 mounted within a tilt tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 2 mounted within the tilt tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is an exemplary side view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 6 in a first configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 6 in a second configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a steering cylinder, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 9 in a first configuration, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 9 in a second configuration, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a steering cylinder, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 12 in a first configuration, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the steering cylinder of FIG. 12 in a second configuration, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and/or different depicted embodiments.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary marine vessel 100 is shown. The marine vessel 100 may be a boat 100. The marine vessel 100 includes a hull 100a and an outboard engine 102 mounted on the hull 100a of the marine vessel 100. The outboard engine 102 may be used to propel the marine vessel 100. For example, the outboard engine 102 may be used to propel the boat 100 in water.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the outboard engine 102 may include a propeller 104 and a steering system 108. The propeller 104 may operate to propel the boat 12 in forward and reverse directions. Further, the steering system 108 may be configured to steer the outboard engine 102 of the marine vessel 100. In an example, the steering system 108 may include a steering cylinder 112, a tilt tube 116, a link arm 120, a tiller arm 124, and a rudder 128.

[0027] In an example, the steering cylinder 112 may be coupled within the tilt tube 116. The steering cylinder 112 may be a hydraulic cylinder which is hydraulically connected with a steering wheel 110 of the boat 100. In an example, a portion of the steering cylinder 112 may be positioned within the tilt tube 116. In an example, the tilt tube 116 is coupled to the outboard engine 102 by using a bracket assembly 106 mounted on the outboard engine 102. The bracket assembly 106 may be mounted on the outboard engine 102 by using a fastening means or by welding. In an example, the tilt tube 116 may extends along a horizontal axis through the bracket assembly 106.

[0028] The bracket assembly 106 may be mounted on a hull 100a of the boat 100. In an example, the bracket assembly 106 may include a clamp bracket 114 and a swivel bracket 118. In an example, the bracket assembly 106 may include a first clamp bracket 114 and a second clamp bracket 114. In an example, the clamp bracket 114 may be fitted with fastening means such as bolts to the hull 100a of the boat 100. The outboard engine 102 may be fitted on the swivel bracket 118. In an example, the swivel bracket 118 and the clamp bracket 114 may be coupled together like a hinge and may rotate (0-90 deg) about a hinge. In such an example, the tilt tube 116 may act like a hinge pin.

[0029] The link arm 120 defines a first end 138 and a second end 142 opposite the first end 138. In an example, the steering cylinder 112 may be coupled to the link arm 120. In an example, the first end 138 of the link arm 120 may be coupled to the steering cylinder 112 to move the link arm 120 by the steering cylinder 112. Further, the second end 142 of the link arm 120 may be coupled to the tiller arm 124. The tiller arm 124 may be coupled between the second end 142 of the link arm 120 and the rudder 128 of the outboard engine 102. In an example, the steering system 108 may include one or more hydraulic lines (not shown) connected between the steering cylinder 112 and the steering wheel 110 of the boat 100.

[0030] In an example, the steering wheel 110 may be turned to steer the boat 100 in a desired direction. The steering wheel 110 may allow the steering cylinder 112 to move in a direction relative to the steering wheel 110. For example, the steering wheel 110 may allow a hydraulic fluid to flow through the hydraulic lines to move the steering cylinder 112. The steering cylinder 112 may be configured to then move the link arm 120 which in turn moves the tiller arm 124. The tiller arm 124 may move the rudder 128 which steers the boat 100 in a desired direction. For example, the rudder 128 may turn the boat 100 in the direction in which the steering wheel 110 is turned.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the steering cylinder 112 according to an embodiment will now be discussed. The steering cylinder 112 may include a first cylinder 150 and a second cylinder 154. In an embodiment, the first cylinder 150 may be an outer cylinder 150 and the second cylinder 154 may be an inner cylinder 154. The first cylinder 150 may be coupled with the tilt tube 116 by fastening means such as a lock nut 174 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The outer cylinder 150 may define a first inner wall 152 and a first outer wall 152. The outer cylinder 150 may include a first end cap 162 on a first side 160.

[0032] The steering cylinder 112 may be coupled to the tilt tube 116. In an example, the steering cylinder 112 may be coupled to the tilt tube 116 by using a lock nut 174. The lock nut 174 may be configured to engage the steering cylinder 112 to a threaded portion 170 of the tilt tube 116. In an example, the threaded portion 170 may be formed at ends 172 (for example, a first end 172 and a second end 172) of the tilt tube 116. Further, the tilt tube 116 may be coupled to an end cap 176. In an example, the second end 172 of the tilt tube 116 may be coupled with the end cap 176. The end cap 176 may prevent water, dirt and/or debris from entering the steering cylinder 112. In an example, the first cylinder 150 further defines a first space 220.

[0033] The second cylinder 154 (e.g., the inner cylinder 154) may be partially mounted within the tilt tube 116. For example, the inner cylinder 154 may be configured to partially move within the tilt tube 116. In an example, the second cylinder 154 (e.g., the inner cylinder 154) defines a first end 182 and a second end 184 opposite the first end 182. In an example, the second cylinder 154 defines a second space 230. For example, the inner cylinder 154 may define a second inner wall 178 and a second outer wall 178 to define the second space 230. In an embodiment, the second space 230 may be volumetrically same as that of first space 220, thereby making it as a balanced-type steering cylinder 112.

[0034] In an example, the second cylinder 154 is configured to move with respect to the first cylinder 150. In an example, the second cylinder 154 may be configured to partially move within the first cylinder 150. In an example, the inner cylinder 154 may be configured to move within the outer cylinder 150. For example, the inner cylinder 154 may define a stroke length, L, configured to move within the outer cylinder 150. Further, the second end 184 of the inner cylinder 154 may be coupled to the link arm 120. In an example, the second end 184 of the inner cylinder 154 may be coupled to a rod end 186 which may be coupled to the first end 138 of the link arm 120.

[0035] The steering cylinder 112 may further include a first piston 188. In an example, the first piston 188 may be positioned within the first space 220 and coupled to the first end 182 of the inner cylinder 154. In an example, the first piston 188 may be received within the outer cylinder 150. Further, the first piston 188 may include a side wall 192 that may be in contact with the first inner wall 152 of the outer cylinder 150 and may move within the outer cylinder 150. In an example, the first piston 188 may include one or more piston seals 190 coupled between the first piston 188 and the first inner wall 152 of the outer cylinder 150. In an example, the first piston 188 may be a hollow piston 188.

[0036] The steering cylinder 112 may further include a second piston 196 and a hollow piston rod 200 coupled to the second piston 196 and passes through the first piston 188. In an example, the second piston 196 is a hollow piston 196. In an example, the second space 230 of the second cylinder 154 may house the hollow piston 196. The second piston 196 (e.g., the hollow piston 196) may be received within the inner cylinder 154. In an example the hollow piston 196 may allow the hydraulic fluid to be passed therethrough. Further, the hollow piston 196 may be coupled with the second inner wall 178 of the inner cylinder 154 and may move within the inner cylinder 154. In an example, the second piston 196 may include one or more piston seals 194 coupled between the second piston 196 and the second inner wall 178 of the inner cylinder 154.

[0037] In an example, the hollow piston rod 200 is positioned at least partially within the first space 220 of the first cylinder 150. The hollow piston rod 200 defines a first end 200a and a second end 200b opposite the first end 200a. In an example, the hollow piston rod 200 along with the second piston 196 may be fixed with respect to the first end cap 162 of the outer cylinder 150. For example, the inner cylinder 154 may move over the second piston 196 (e.g., over the hollow piston 196).

[0038] The first cylinder 150 (e.g., the outer cylinder 150) further includes a first fluid port 204 and a second fluid port 208. The first fluid port 204 is positioned on the first end cap 162. The first fluid port 204 may be coupled to the hollow piston rod 200 which allows the hydraulic fluid to pass through the hollow piston rod 200 and into the inner cylinder 154. In an example, the first end 200a of the hollow piston rod 200 is fluidly coupled with the first fluid port 204 and the second end 200b of the hollow piston rod 200 is coupled to the hollow piston 196. For example, the first fluid port 204 may be configured to allow the fluid to move into and out of the inner cylinder 154 and the hollow piston rod 200.

[0039] The second fluid port 208 may work as both an inlet and an outlet port depending upon desired motion of the steering cylinder 112. For example, when the second fluid port 208 works as the inlet port, the first piston 188 may move towards the first end cap 162 of the outer cylinder 150 (see FIG. 9). In an example, when the second fluid port 208 works as the outlet port, the hydraulic fluid may move from the first fluid port 204 through the hollow piston rod 200 and the second piston 196 (e.g., hollow piston rod 200 and the hollow piston 196) to the rod end 186 to move the inner cylinder 154 away from the first end cap 162 (see FIG. 7).

[0040] The first fluid port 204 may be configured to allow the fluid to move into and out of the inner cylinder 154. In an example, the first fluid port 204 may work as both an inlet and an outlet port depending upon desired motion of the inner cylinder 154. For example, when the first fluid port 204 works as the inlet port, the first piston 188 may move away from the first end cap 162 of the outer cylinder 150 (see FIG. 8). Similarly, when the first fluid port 204 works as the outlet port, the first piston 188 may move towards the first end cap 162 (see FIG. 7).

[0041] The steering cylinder 112 may further include a first hydraulic adapter 212 coupled to the first fluid port 204 and a second hydraulic adapter 216 coupled to the second fluid port 208. In an example, the first hydraulic adapter 212 may be mounted on the first end cap 162 of the outer cylinder 150. The hydraulic lines may be coupled to the first fluid port 204 and the second fluid port 208. In an example, the hydraulic lines may facilitate the hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the steering cylinder 112 through the first fluid port 204 and the second fluid port 208. In an example, the hydraulic fluid may be any fluid known in the art such as, but not limited to, a mineral oil or the like.

[0042] In an embodiment, the steering cylinder 112 may include various sealing means such as an O-ring, a wiper seal, and the like. The sealing means may facilitate prevention of leakages, maintain the hydraulic fluid pressure, and ensure proper functionality of the steering cylinder 112. Although some examples of sealing means have been provided, however, any sealing means known in the art may be contemplated.

[0043] The steering cylinder 112 is configured to actuate between an extended position and a retracted position to steer the marine vessel 100. In an example, in the extended position, the second cylinder 154 is configured to move away from the first end cap 162. For example, in the extended position, the inner cylinder 154 along with the first piston 188 is configured to move away from the first end cap 162. In an example, in the extended position the hydraulic fluid may flow into the second space 230 from the first fluid port 204 to move the first piston 188 along with the inner cylinder 154 away from the first end cap 162. In an example, the hydraulic fluid flows into the second space 230 through the hollow piston rod 200 and the hollow piston 196.

[0044] Further, in the retracted position, the second cylinder 154 is configured to move towards the first end cap 162. For example, in the retracted position, the inner cylinder 154 along with the first piston 188 is configured to move towards the first end cap 162. In an example, in the retracted position, the hydraulic fluid may flow into the first space 220 from the second fluid port 208 to move the first piston 188 along with the inner cylinder 154 towards the first end cap 162.

[0045] For example, in operation, the steering cylinder 112 may be configured to turn the boat 100 upon an action of the steering wheel 110. In an example, when a user turns the steering wheel 110 of the boat 100, a helm pump (connected to the hydraulic lines and the steering wheel 110) may generate a pressure in the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid may be moved within the steering cylinder 112 to turn the boat 100. In an example, the helm pump may facilitate the hydraulic fluid to be moved within the steering cylinder 112 depending on the direction (may be left or right) of the steering wheel 110 and/or a number of rotations of the steering wheel 110.

[0046] In an example, the turning of the steering wheel 110 may lead to either supply of the hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder 112, and/or discharge of the hydraulic fluid out of the steering cylinder 112 depending upon the direction and the amount in which the steering wheel 110 is turned. For example, the supply/or discharge of the hydraulic fluid may take place respectively from the first fluid port 204 or the second fluid port 208.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, a working of the steering system 108 will now be explained. FIG. 7 refers to a first configuration of the steering system 108. In the first configuration, when the steering wheel 110 is turned from starboard side to port side, the hydraulic fluid may be supplied to the second fluid port 208. At this time, the second fluid port 208 may act as an inlet port. The hydraulic fluid fills within a first space 220 defined within the outer cylinder 150 and applies a force on the first piston 188. The inner cylinder 154 may act as a piston rod for the first piston 188 and move the first piston 188 towards the first end cap 162 of the steering cylinder 112.

[0048] When the first piston 188 moves toward the first end cap 162, the hydraulic fluid already present in the inner cylinder 154 moves out from the first fluid port 204 thus acting as an outlet port. At this time, the inner cylinder 154 may be retracted within the outer cylinder 150 towards the first end cap 162. The movement of the inner cylinder 154 towards the first end cap 162 may turn the link arm 120 which in turn changes the position of the tiller arm 124. The tiller arm 124 may then move the rudder 128 towards the starboard side, thus steering the boat 100 from starboard side to port side.

[0049] FIG. 8 refers to a second configuration of the steering system 108. In the second configuration, when the steering wheel 110 is turned from the port side to the starboard side, the hydraulic fluid is supplied to the first fluid port 204. At this time, the first fluid port 204 may act as an inlet port. The hydraulic fluid fills the second space 230 defined within the inner cylinder 154. The fluid may apply a force on the rod end 186. The inner cylinder 154 may then move with the first piston 188 away from the first end cap 162 within the outer cylinder 150 of the steering cylinder 112.

[0050] When the first piston 188 moves away from the first end cap 162, the hydraulic fluid already present in the outer cylinder 150 moves out from the second fluid port 208 thus acting as an outlet port. The movement of the inner cylinder 154 away from the first end cap 162 may turn the link arm 120 which in turn changes the position of the tiller arm 124. The tiller arm 124 may then move the rudder 128 towards the port side, thus steering the boat 100 from the port side to the starboard side.

[0051] In an embodiment, the steering cylinder 112 may be a balanced-type steering cylinder 112. In an example, the steering cylinder 112 may be configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration for equal number of revolutions of the steering wheel 110 from the port side to the starboard side and vice-versa in order to steer the boat 100 towards the port side or toward the starboard side. The balancing of the steering cylinder 112 will now be explained.

[0052] The outer cylinder 150 and the inner cylinder 154 of the steering cylinder 112 are constructed in a way such that a volume of hydraulic fluid inside the outer cylinder 150 and the inner cylinder 154 is same. In an example, because the volume of the hydraulic fluid is same in both the inner cylinder 154 and the outer cylinder 150, an equal amount of force may be applied to the first piston 188 and the second piston 196 to move the boat 100 towards the port side and towards the starboard side. Since, equal forces are required to steer the boat 100 in both directions, the steering wheel 110 may be rotated for equal number of turns to steer the boat 100 in both directions, i.e., towards the port side and towards the starboard side.

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the steering cylinder 112 shown in FIG. 3-6. For example, the steering system 108 may include a steering cylinder 222. The steering cylinder 222 may include similar components as that of the steering cylinder 112 and differ in that the steering cylinder 222 may include only a piston 232 and a hollow piston rod 200. The steering cylinder 222 may include a first cylinder 224, and a second cylinder 228 configured to move with respect to the first cylinder 224. In an example, the first cylinder 224 may define the first space 220.

[0054] In an example, the second cylinder 228 may extended or retracted with respect to the first cylinder 224. In an example, the second cylinder 228 may be partially disposed within the first cylinder 224. In an example, the second cylinder 228 may be positioned within the tilt tube 116. The second cylinder 228 includes the piston 232 which is a hollow piston 232. In an example, the second cylinder 228 defines the second space 230. The second cylinder 228 may further include a rod 226 coupled to the hollow piston 232 such that the second cylinder 228 defines a third space 240.

[0055] In an example, the third space 240 may be fluidly coupled with the first space 220 through the hollow piston rod 200. In an example, the rod 226 may be partially placed within the second cylinder 228 and may extend out of the second cylinder 228. For example, the second cylinder 228 may be coupled with the rod end 186 through the rod 226. Further, the steering cylinder 222 includes a single hydraulic adapter 212. In an example, the first fluid port 204 and the second fluid port 208 may be formed on the hydraulic adapter 212.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, working of the steering system 108 of the second embodiment will now be explained in detail. The steering cylinder 222 may work in two configurations (for e.g., a first configuration and a second configuration). FIG. 10 refers to the first configuration for the steering cylinder 222 of the steering system 108. The first configuration of the steering cylinder 222 may be the extended position of the steering cylinder 222. In the first configuration, when the hydraulic fluid enters the steering cylinder 222 through the second fluid port 208, the second space 230 of the second cylinder 228 may be filled by the hydraulic fluid and may exert a force on the piston 232 away from the hydraulic adapter 212. The movement of the piston 232 may move the rod end 186 away from the hydraulic adapter 212 to tilt the boat 100 in a direction respective to the force experienced on the piston 232. At this time, the hydraulic fluid may exit the third space 240 to the first space 220 through the hollow piston rod 200 and finally out of the first fluid port 204.

[0057] FIG. 11 refers to the second configuration for the steering cylinder 222 of the steering system 108. The second configuration of the steering cylinder 222 may be the retracted position of the steering cylinder 222. In the second configuration, when the hydraulic fluid enters the steering cylinder 222 through a first fluid port 204, the third space 240 of the second cylinder 228 may be filled by the hydraulic fluid and exert a force on the piston 232 towards the hydraulic adapter 212. The movement of the piston 232 may move the rod end 186 towards the hydraulic adapter 212 to tilt the boat 100 in a direction respective to the force experienced on the piston 232. At this time, the hydraulic fluid already present in the first space 220 may exit the first cylinder 224 from the second fluid port 208.

[0058] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the steering cylinder 112 shown in FIG. 3-6. For example, the steering system 108 may include a steering cylinder 234. The steering cylinder 234 may include similar components as that of the steering cylinder 112 and differ in that the steering cylinder 234 may include a piston 242 such as a hollow piston 242, and a hollow piston rod 200 passing through the hollow piston 242. The steering cylinder 222 may include a first cylinder 244, and a second cylinder 248 configured to move with respect to the first cylinder 244. In an example, the first cylinder 244 may define the first space 220.

[0059] In an example, the second cylinder 248 may extended or retracted with respect to the first cylinder 244. In an example, the second cylinder 248 may be partially disposed within the first cylinder 244. In an example, the second cylinder 248 may be positioned within the tilt tube 116. The second cylinder 248 may be coupled to the piston 242 which is the hollow piston 242. In an example, the second cylinder 248 defines the second space 230.

[0060] In an example, the second space 230 may be fluidly coupled with the first space 220 through the hollow piston rod 200. In an example, the second cylinder 228 may be coupled with the rod end 186. Further, the steering cylinder 234 includes the single hydraulic adapter 212. In an example, the first fluid port 204 and the second fluid port 208 may be formed on the hydraulic adapter 212.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 13-14, a working of the steering system 108 of the third embodiment will now be explained in detail. The steering cylinder 234 may work in two configurations (for e.g., a first configuration and a second configuration). FIG. 13 refers to the first configuration for the steering cylinder 234 of the steering system 108. The first configuration of the steering cylinder 234 may be the extended position of the steering cylinder 234. In the first configuration, when the hydraulic fluid enters the steering cylinder 234 through the second fluid port 208 and through the hollow piston rod 200, the second space 230 may be filled by the hydraulic fluid and may exert a force on the piston 242 towards the hydraulic adapter 212. The movement of the piston 242 may move the rod end 186 towards the hydraulic adapter 212 to tilt the boat 100 in a direction respective to the force experienced on the piston 242. At this time, the hydraulic fluid may exit the first cylinder 244 directly from the first fluid port 204.

[0062] FIG. 14 refers to the second configuration for the steering cylinder 234 of the steering system 108. The second configuration of the steering cylinder 234 may be the extended position of the steering cylinder 234. In the second configuration, when the hydraulic fluid enters the steering cylinder 234 through the first fluid port 204, the first space 220 may be filled by the hydraulic fluid and exert a force on the piston 242 away from the hydraulic adapter 212. The movement of the piston 242 may move the rod end 186 away from the hydraulic adapter 212 to tilt the boat 100 in a direction respective to the force experienced on the piston 242 and the hydraulic fluid may exit the second space 230 through the hollow piston rod 200 and finally out of the second fluid port 208.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0063] The present disclosure provides the outboard engine 102 and the steering system 108. The steering system 108 includes the steering cylinder 114 112, 222, 234 configured to steer the boat 100 toward the port side or the star board side. In an example, the steering cylinder 112, 222, 234 may be disposed at least partially within the tilt tube 116. For example, the steering cylinder 112, 222, 234 is configured to partially fit inside the tilt tube 116.

[0064] The fitment of the steering cylinder 112, 222, 234 provides lesser space requirements as compared to conventional steering cylinders. Hence the steering cylinder 112, 222, 234 may be mounted on any marine vessel 100 irrespective of the size constraints which was there in conventional marine vessels. The configuration of the steering cylinder 112, 222, 234 inside the tilt tube 116 also provides on-site assembly and disassembly of the steering cylinder 112, 222, 234, thus doesn't require dismantling of the entire outboard engine 102. The steering cylinder 112, 222, 234 may be attached to the tilt tube 116 by any suitable fastening means such as the lock nut 174 fastened on the threaded portion 170 of the tilt tube 116.

[0065] Further, the steering cylinder 112 may be a balanced-type steering cylinder 112 which facilitates the equal number of turns of the steering wheel 110 from port side to starboard side and vice versa for steering the boat 100. The balanced-type steering cylinder 112 may facilitates a precise and responsive steering, especially at high speeds. Advantageously, the balanced-type steering cylinder 112 may also facilitate reduced torque at the helm of the boat 100. The balanced-type steering cylinder 112 may also help the user to operate the boat 100 with more precision and ease.

[0066] Furthermore, the steering cylinder 112 may not be limited to a particular steering system and may be used with any type of steering system such as, but not limited to, a power assisted hydraulic system, a power assisted electrical system, steering systems with auto pilot arrangement, and may be coupled with a navigation system or the like.

[0067] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and/or system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the method and/or system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

Steering Cylinder for Outboard Engines

[0068] 100 marine vessel [0069] 100 boat [0070] 100a hull [0071] 102 outboard engine [0072] 104 propeller [0073] 106 bracket assembly [0074] 108 steering system [0075] 110 steering wheel [0076] 112 steering cylinder [0077] 114 clamp bracket [0078] 114 first clamp bracket [0079] 114 second clamp bracket [0080] 116 tilt tube [0081] 118 swivel bracket [0082] 120 link arm [0083] 124 tiller arm [0084] 128 rudder [0085] 138 first end [0086] 142 second end [0087] 150 first cylinder [0088] 150 outer cylinder [0089] 152 first inner wall [0090] 152 first outer wall [0091] 154 second cylinder [0092] 154 inner cylinder [0093] 160 first side [0094] 162 first end cap [0095] 170 threaded portion [0096] 172 end [0097] 172 first end [0098] 172 second end [0099] 174 locknut [0100] 176 end cap [0101] 178 second inner wall [0102] 178 second outer wall [0103] 182 a first end [0104] 184 second end [0105] 188 first piston [0106] 188 hollow piston [0107] 190 piston seals [0108] 192 side wall [0109] 196 second piston [0110] 196 hollow piston [0111] 200 hollow piston rod [0112] 200a first end [0113] 200b second end [0114] 204 first fluid port [0115] 208 second fluid port [0116] 212 first hydraulic adapter [0117] 216 second hydraulic adapter [0118] 220 first space [0119] 222 steering cylinder [0120] 224 first cylinder [0121] 226 rod [0122] 228 second cylinder [0123] 230 second space [0124] 232 piston [0125] 232 hollow piston [0126] 234 steering cylinder [0127] 240 third space [0128] 242 piston [0129] 242 hollow piston [0130] 244 first cylinder [0131] 248 second cylinder [0132] L length