Steering and reversing system for a marine jet propulsion unit

Details Steering and reversing system for a marine jet propulsion unit Steering and reversing system for a marine jet propulsion unit

1992-06-05

1994-09-06

Huppert, Michael S.

Marine propulsion

Jet drive

Direction control for fluid jet

114129, 440 43, B63H 1111

Patent

active

053443446

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION



Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a steering and reversing system for a marine jet propulsion unit for a water craft.
Basically, a jet propulsion unit for a water craft comprises a pump, usually an axial-flow pump, supported in the craft, typically in the stern thereof, the inlet of which is connected with a water intake in the bottom of the craft and the outlet of which is connected with a rearwardly directed discharge tube or nozzle, usually projecting rearwardly beyond the transom of the craft, for discharging the craft-propelling water jet.
For side steering of the craft, a mechanism is provided to deflect the water jet, or at least a part of it, laterally in either direction, and for slowing down the craft and/or making it go astern, a reversing mechanism is provided to deflect the water jet at least partially in the forward direction, usually downwardly and forwardly.
In the known water jet propulsion units, the side steering is usually accomplished by pivoting the nozzle, or the rear part of it, about a vertical axis by means of one or more actuators, commonly in the form of hydraulic cylinders. The reversal of the thrust of the water jet usually is accomplished by a separate reversing mechanism which is mounted in or behind the nozzle and comprises one or more flaps or scoop-like elements which are operable by means of one or more actuators, commonly hydraulic cylinders, to intercept the water jet and divert at least a portion of it in the desired direction, usually downwardly and forwardly.
Known side-steering and reversing systems thus comprise a large number of movable elements and actuators and therefore are complicated, space-consuming, heavy and expensive.


OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a steering and reversing system that is simpler, lighter, less space-consuming and cheaper than the known steering and reversing systems of the above-described kind.
To this end, according to the invention, there is provided a steering and reversing system for a jet propulsion unit for a water craft as set forth in the claims.
Generally stated, the steering and reversing system according to the invention comprises two elongate steering and reversing members which are mounted side by side on the nozzle and individually pivotable in opposite directions about upright axes from a neutral or non-deflecting position, in which they permit the water jet to pass rearwardly without being obstructed, to a first deflecting position, in which a front section intercepts a portion of the water jet and deflects it laterally outwardly from the nozzle, and a second deflecting position, in which a rear section including a scoop-like jet reversing element intercepts a portion of the water jet and deflects it downwardly and forwardly.
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an embodiment of the steering and reversing system according to the invention is shown by way of example.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a steering and reversing system embodying the invention, the system being shown in a passive or neutral position for propelling the water craft straight ahead;
FIG. 2 is a similar top plan view showing the system in a position for propelling the water craft forwardly while turning;
FIG. 3 is a similar top plan view showing the system in a position for full reversal for going straight astern;
FIG. 4 is a similar top plan view showing the system in a position for causing the craft to go astern while turning;
FIG. 5 is a side view of one of the steering and reversing members of the steering and reversing system shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, only the rearmost portion of a water jet propulsion unit is shown, namely a pump housing 1 and a stationary outlet duct or nozzle 3 secured to a flange 2 of the pump housing and provided

REFERENCES:
patent: 3478712 (1969-11-01), Fox
patent: 3827390 (1974-08-01), De Vault et al.
patent: 4509923 (1985-04-01), Turnbull
patent: 4895093 (1990-01-01), Dalsbo

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