Marine propulsion – Electric drive for propelling means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-09
2001-12-04
Sotelo, Jesus D. (Department: 3617)
Marine propulsion
Electric drive for propelling means
C114S1440RE
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325684
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The disclosure relates to an electronic power steering system for a battery-powered electric trolling motor of the type which is commonly mounted to the bow of a fishing boat. Further, the disclosure relates to an electronic power steering system for an electric trolling motor which combines the selective and integrated use of open-loop and closed-loop systems, providing the advantages of both open-loop and closed-loop systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fishing boats and vessels are often equipped with a trolling motor for providing a relatively small amount of thrust to slowly and quietly propel the boat or vessel while the operator is fishing. The motor is typically mounted to the bow of the boat (alternatively, the motor may be mounted at other locations in the boat, for example the motor may be transom mounted at the stern of the boat) so that the thrust pulls the boat through the water.
Some existing trolling motors include mechanical cable linkages between a foot pedal or steering control and a mechanical steering system (e.g., rack and pinion) in a steering head. The operator provides the physical force for turning the lower unit of the motor via the linkages. In such systems, the rotary motion of the foot pedal or other steering control is mechanically converted to rotary motion of a prop motor or propulsion unit. Such mechanical systems, however, require relatively bulky cable linkages, and do not have the flexibility provided by electronic steering control systems. Other existing trolling motors have an electric power steering system wherein an electric steering motor is used to rotate the trolling motor lower unit to steer the boat. Such systems use either “open-loop steering control” or “closed-loop steering control” (“feedback steering”). In one open-loop system, the foot pedal assembly includes a pair of switches and when the user pushes the right (left) side of the foot pedal, the first (second) switch is closed to actuate a steering motor to cause the lower unit to turn to the right (left) for as long as a first (second) switch is held closed. In one closed-loop system, the foot pedal assembly includes a potentiometer for sensing the rotational position of the foot pedal and generating a steering command signal representative thereof, and the trolling motor includes a potentiometer for sensing the rotational position of the prop motor, and an electronic controller for controlling the steering motor based on the difference between the steering command and feedback signals.
Although both types of existing electric “power steering” systems avoid the need for bulky mechanical steering linkages, and provide flexibility through electronic control, each can be advantageous over the other in certain situations. Closed-loop systems provide the obvious advantage of acting like mechanical systems since the steer direction depends on the rotational position of the foot pedal. However, in situations in which the user wishes to make a fine adjustment to the steering direction, relationship between foot pedal position (which may have a total range of only 45 degrees, or +/−22.5 degrees) and prop position (which may have a total range of 360 degrees) may yield a high steering ratio (e.g., 8;
1
), which can make fine adjustments difficult to achieve. For example, if the user wants to make only a 4 degree adjustment, he needs to rotate the pedal by only 0.5 degrees. This resolution can be difficult to achieve using foot control, which is not as accurate as hand control, and can be difficult to achieve in a bouncing and pitching boat. In this situation, open-loop systems may be preferred since a user merely has to tap the left or right steering switch with his foot to cause a prop to rotate at a predetermined rate (e.g., 5 degrees per second). In the example, the user could achieve the 4 degree turn merely by tapping the left or right switch for 0.8 seconds, which is relatively easy. Thus, both open-loop and closed-loop steering systems can be disadvantageous under certain conditions.
Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic power steering system for a trolling motor wherein features of both open and closed-loop steering systems are combined to provide a single steering system having advantages of both open and closed-loop steering systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An exemplary embodiment relates to a steering control system for an electric trolling motor. The system includes a steering actuator assembly, including at least one open loop actuator. The system also includes at least one steering mode switch configured to communicate changes between steering modes. The steering modes include at least one closed loop steering mode and at least one manual steering mode. Further, the system includes a controller, configured to receive signals from the open loop actuator, configured to receive signals from the at least one steering mode switch, and configured to generate control signals based on the states of the open loop actuator and the steering mode switch.
Another exemplary embodiment relates to an electric trolling motor. The electric trolling motor includes a propulsion unit configured to provide thrust and having a motor. The electric trolling motor also includes a steering head, coupled to the propulsion unit and having a steering motor for steering the prop motor. Further, the electric trolling motor includes a steering actuator assembly, including at least one open loop actuator. Further still, the electric trolling motor includes at least one steering mode switch configured to communicate changes between steering modes. The steering modes include at least one closed loop steering mode and at least one manual steering mode. Yet further still, the electric trolling motor includes a controller, configured to receive signals from the open loop actuator, configured to receive signals from the at least one steering mode switch, and configured to generate control signals based on the states of the open loop actuator and the steering mode switch and applying the control signals to the steering motor.
Yet another exemplary embodiment relates to a steering control system for an electric trolling motor. The system includes a foot pedal assembly, including at least one foot pedal for manual steering. The system also includes a foot presence switch configured to provide a signal representative of the presence of an operator's foot. Further, the system includes at least one steering mode switch configured to communicate changes between steering modes. The steering modes include at least one closed loop steering mode and at least one manual steering mode. Further still, the system includes a controller, configured to receive signals from the open loop actuator, configured to receive signals from the at least one steering mode switch, configured to receive a signal representative of the presence of an operator's foot, and configured to generate control signals based on the states of the open loop actuator and the steering mode switch.
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Bass Pro Shops 1997 Catalog, pp. 319-328, Expiration Date: Feb. 1, 1998.
JWA Informational Brochure, pps. 1-52, ©1996.
Motor Guide 2000 Catalog, pps. 1-24, ©1999.
Foley & Lardner
Johnson Outdoors Inc.
Sotelo Jesus D.
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