MARINE STEERING MECHANISM AND ASSOCIATED ACTUATING AND LOCKING DEVICE

摘要

MARINE STEERING MECHANISM AND ASSOCIATED ACTUATING AND LOCKING DEVICE A marine propulsion device comprises a steering member and a steerable member including a propeller. A steering mechanism operatively connects the steering member with the steerable member and includes an actuating and locking device. The actuating and locking device comprises a cylinder having opposite first and second end portions and a piston which is mounted for reciprocative movement within the cylinder between the first and second end portions. A drive assembly operatively connects the piston with the movable steering member to effect reciprocative movement of the piston in response to steering member movement. A driven mechanism operatively connects the piston with the steerable member such that piston reciprocation is transmitted into movement of the steerable member. The actuating and locking device includes hydraulic supply and hydraulic discharge systems which conduct hydraulic fluid into and out of the cylinder end portions in response to piston reciprocation occasioned by operation of the steering member. However, in the absence of operation of the steering member, the hydraulic discharge system locks the piston against movement in the cylinder, thereby also locking the steerable member. Unwanted steering movements caused by forces originating in or acting upon the steerable member are thus prevented.