Marine propulsion – Screw propeller – Variable pitch
Patent
1989-11-27
1991-07-30
Sotelo, Jesus D.
Marine propulsion
Screw propeller
Variable pitch
440 58, B63H 300
Patent
active
050356623
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with azimuth propeller drive means for ships, to measure the angle between the rotational axis of the propeller and the longitudinal axis of the ship, and the angle of attack of the propeller blades, with the azimuth propeller drive means comprising a first housing which is provided to be firmly connected with the ship, and a second housing which is mounted in said first housing and is provided to be rotatable in relation to the latter, and where a first drive shaft extends through said first housing and into said second housing, and is connected with the ship's engine, and where a second drive shaft is mounted in said second housing and carries a propeller, and extends at an angle to and is driven by the first mentioned drive shaft, with the angle of attack of the propeller blades being adjustable by the aid of a servo, and where a first rod extends through and coaxially with said second drive shaft and is connected with elements of the servo in such a manner that one of said elements can be displaced in relation to the second drive shaft.
Propeller drive means of this kind are intended for providing a variable thrust, and for permitting adjustment of the sense of direction of said thrust in relation to the longitudinal axis of the ship, also called azimuth angle, so that the ship may, thus, be maneuvered.
Since the angle of attack of the propeller blades and the azimuth angle cooperate with other control parameters for modern vessels, it is important to the ship's crew to be currently informed on the magnitude of said angles.
In connection with ships it is known to use feedback from the controlled members, for confirmation that said members are really in the desired position, instead of assuming that such a position was reached, based on the maneuvering members of the control means.
In case of azimuth propeller drive means it is known to transfer the movement of said first rod to the ship by the aid of a rod extending side-by-side along said first drive shaft. Since the second housing is provided to be rotatable relative to the first housing in such a manner that its axis of rotation coincides with the rotational axis of the first drive shaft, it will be necessary to use a relatively complicated structure to transfer the movement of the rod from the rotatable housing to the stationary housing.
In known azimuth propeller drive means, furthermore, electronic measuring means are known which sense displacement of said first rod and, thus, measure the angle of attack of the propeller blades. This device is simple and inexpensive, but comparatively sensitive, and the consequences in case of a possible failure are great, since the ship must commonly be docked for repair.
If electric means are used to sense the angle of attack of the propeller blades, and the azimuth angle, respectively, said angles may be shown in a simple manner by arranging for the electric signals to be transmitted to respective display means. If rods are used which rise vertically through the first housing, and the rotation of which is a function of the angle of attack of the propeller blades, and the azimuth angle, respectively, a device is required which compensates for any simultaneous rotation of the second housing, i.e. the azimuth angle, to provide a correct display of the angle of attack of the propeller blades.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring arrangement of the above mentioned kind, which does not show the above disadvantages.
What is characteristic of the measuring device according to the invention will appear from the characterizing features stated in the claims.
In the following, the invention is disclosed in more detail with reference to the drawings.
( FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrammatical views of two embodiments according to the invention, where portions of the drive means are removed.
As will appear from the figures, the propeller drive means comprises a first tube-shaped housing 1, and a second housing 2. The first housing 1 is mainly provided
REFERENCES:
patent: 3552348 (1971-01-01), Shima
patent: 4392832 (1983-07-01), Moberg
Sotelo Jesus D.
Ulstein Propeller A/S
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