| 摘要 |
A constant drive system for marine applications having a constant velocity universal joint for articulating the propeller shaft without transmitting the propeller thrust therethrough, the propeller thrust being delivered to the boat hull in line with an inner propeller shaft. The inner propeller shaft is gearingly connected to a marine power plant located within the boat, exits from the boat and connects to the inner race of the constant velocity universal joint. An outer propeller shaft connects to the outer race of the constant velocity universal joint and ends at the propeller. In order that the constant velocity universal joint serve to transmit rotational torque and permit articulation of the outer propeller shaft relative to the inner propeller shaft without propeller thrust being transmitted therethrough, thrust from the propeller is directed by thrust bearings to an inner and outer thrust housing, thereby bypassing the inner race member of the constant velocity universal joint and the inner propeller shaft. The inner thrust housing includes an annulus inside of which is located the inner propeller shaft, resulting in propeller thrust being delivered to the boat in line with the inner propeller shaft. Steering is accomplished by rotation of a steering shaft, which turns the outer thrust housing and the outer propeller shaft. The marine propeller drive system may be mounted at the transom or at the hull. |
