rudder angle feedback device and azimuth thruster

Abstract

This disclosure provides a rudder angle feedback device and a full-radius thruster, belonging to the field of marine technology. The rudder angle feedback device includes a carrier, a connecting shaft, and a potentiometer; the connecting shaft is rotatably inserted into the carrier; the potentiometer includes an inner ring and an outer ring, the inner ring being rotatably inserted inside the outer ring, the inner ring being sleeved outside the connecting shaft, and the outer ring being connected to the carrier. This disclosure can save on the cost of rudder angle feedback devices, eliminate gear backlash, and improve feedback accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of marine technology, and specifically relates to a rudder angle feedback device and a full-radius propulsion system. Background Technology

[0002] The rudder angle feedback device is a major component of the azimuth thruster on various types of ships. Its function is to collect rudder angle information.

[0003] In related technologies, the rudder angle feedback device mainly includes a connecting shaft and a rudder angle detector. One end of the connecting shaft is connected to the rudder angle detector, and the other end is connected to the rudder stock of the azimuth thruster. The rudder angle detector is generally an encoder or a potentiometer. When the rudder angle detector is a potentiometer, the connecting shaft has a driving gear, and the input end of the rudder angle detector has a driven gear. The driven gear meshes with the driving gear. As the driving gear rotates with the connecting shaft, the driven gear rotates accordingly, enabling the rudder angle detector to detect the rotation angle of the connecting shaft, that is, the rotation angle of the rudder stock.

[0004] However, encoders are expensive, which negatively impacts the cost of controllable rudder angle feedback devices. Potentiometers, on the other hand, suffer from low feedback accuracy due to gear backlash. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a rudder angle feedback device and a full-radius thruster, which can save the cost of rudder angle feedback devices, eliminate gear backlash, and improve feedback accuracy. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] On one hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide a rudder angle feedback device, including a carrier, a connecting shaft, and a potentiometer;

[0007] The connecting shaft is rotatably inserted into the carrier;

[0008] The potentiometer includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is rotatably inserted into the outer ring and is sleeved outside the connecting shaft. The outer ring is connected to the carrier.

[0009] In one implementation of this disclosure, the connecting shaft includes a shaft body and a connecting key;

[0010] The connecting key is inserted between the outer peripheral wall of the shaft and the inner peripheral wall of the inner ring, and the length direction of the connecting key is consistent with the length direction of the shaft.

[0011] In another implementation of this disclosure, the shaft body includes a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment;

[0012] The first shaft segment and the second shaft segment are coaxially connected, and the outer diameter of the first shaft segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the second shaft segment. The first shaft segment is rotatably inserted into the carrier.

[0013] The second shaft segment is located on one side of the carrier, and the end of the second shaft segment connected to the first shaft segment abuts against the carrier.

[0014] In another implementation of this disclosure, the rudder angle feedback device includes a plurality of the potentiometers;

[0015] Multiple potentiometers are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the shaft.

[0016] The connection key is inserted into the inner ring of the plurality of potentiometers.

[0017] In another implementation of this disclosure, the rudder angle feedback device further includes multiple connectors;

[0018] Multiple connectors are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the potentiometer, and each connector corresponds to one potentiometer. One end of each connector is connected to the outer ring of the corresponding potentiometer, and the other end of each connector is connected to the carrier.

[0019] In another implementation of this disclosure, the connector includes a first connector segment, a second connector segment, and a third connector segment connected in sequence.

[0020] The first connecting piece is fitted to the outer end face of the potentiometer and connected to it;

[0021] The length direction of the second connecting piece is consistent with the axial direction of the connecting shaft;

[0022] The third connector is attached to the carrier and connected to it.

[0023] In another implementation of this disclosure, the carrier includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a surrounding plate;

[0024] The first cover plate and the second cover plate are spaced apart from each other, and the surrounding plate is located between the first cover plate and the second cover plate, and is connected to the first cover plate and the second cover plate respectively;

[0025] The connecting shaft is rotatably inserted into the first cover plate, and the potentiometer is located in the space formed between the first cover plate, the second cover plate, and the surrounding plate.

[0026] In yet another implementation of this disclosure, the first cover plate of the carrier further includes a bearing;

[0027] The bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is sleeved outside the connecting shaft, and the outer ring is connected to the first cover plate of the carrier.

[0028] In another implementation of this disclosure, the enclosure of the carrier further includes a stuffing box;

[0029] The stuffing box is inserted into the enclosure of the carrier, and the external power supply line and signal line pass through the stuffing box and are connected to the potentiometer.

[0030] On the other hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide a full-radius thruster, which includes the rudder angle feedback device described above.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this disclosure include at least the following:

[0032] When detecting the angle of the rudder stock of an azimuth thruster using the rudder angle feedback device provided in this embodiment, the connecting shaft is coaxially connected to the rudder stock of the azimuth thruster. As the rudder stock rotates, the connecting shaft rotates together, thereby causing the inner ring of the potentiometer sleeved outside the connecting shaft to rotate. This results in relative rotation between the inner and outer rings of the potentiometer, allowing the potentiometer to measure the rotation angle of the connecting shaft, and further, to obtain the rotation angle of the rudder stock.

[0033] Since the rudder angle feedback device detects the rotation angle of the rudder stock using a potentiometer, and potentiometers are relatively inexpensive, the manufacturing cost of the rudder angle feedback device can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, because the inner ring of the potentiometer is directly fitted onto the connecting shaft, there is no gear backlash between the connecting shaft and the potentiometer, eliminating errors caused by gear backlash and improving the accuracy of the rudder angle feedback device. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rudder angle feedback device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the rudder angle feedback device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting shaft provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the rudder angle feedback device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connector provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0040] The symbols in the diagram represent the following meanings:

[0041] 1. Carrier;

[0042] 11. First cover plate; 12. Second cover plate; 13. Enclosure plate; 14. Bearing; 141. Inner ring; 142. Outer ring; 15. Stuffing box;

[0043] 2. Connecting shaft;

[0044] 21. Shaft body; 211. First shaft segment; 212. Second shaft segment; 213. Keyway; 214. Cross-section; 22. Connecting key;

[0045] 3. Potentiometer;

[0046] 31. Inner circle; 32. Outer circle;

[0047] 4. Connectors;

[0048] 41. First connecting piece; 42. Second connecting piece; 43. Third connecting piece. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] The rudder angle feedback device is a major component of the azimuth thruster on various types of ships. Its function is to collect rudder angle information.

[0051] In related technologies, the rudder angle feedback device mainly includes a connecting shaft and a rudder angle detector. One end of the connecting shaft is connected to the rudder angle detector, and the other end is connected to the rudder stock of the azimuth thruster. The rudder angle detector is generally an encoder or a potentiometer. When the rudder angle detector is a potentiometer, the connecting shaft has a driving gear, and the input end of the rudder angle detector has a driven gear. The driven gear meshes with the driving gear. As the driving gear rotates with the connecting shaft, the driven gear rotates accordingly, allowing the rudder angle detector to detect the rotation angle of the connecting shaft, that is, the rotation angle of the rudder stock. However, encoders are expensive, which is not conducive to controlling the cost of the rudder angle feedback device. As for potentiometers, the feedback accuracy is low due to gear backlash.

[0052] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a rudder angle feedback device, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rudder angle feedback device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 2 See partial cross-sectional view of the rudder angle feedback device. Figure 2 The rudder angle feedback device includes a carrier 1, a connecting shaft 2, and a potentiometer 3. The connecting shaft 2 is rotatably inserted into the carrier 1. The potentiometer 3 includes an inner ring 31 and an outer ring 32. The inner ring 31 is provided with a keyway 213 and is rotatably inserted into the outer ring 32. The inner ring 31 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft 2, and the outer ring 32 is connected to the carrier 1.

[0054] When the rudder angle feedback device provided in this embodiment detects the angle of the rudder stock of a full-radius thruster, the connecting shaft 2 is coaxially connected to the rudder stock of the full-radius thruster. As the rudder stock rotates, the connecting shaft 2 rotates together, thereby driving the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3, which is sleeved outside the connecting shaft 2, to rotate. This causes relative rotation between the inner ring 31 and the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3, allowing the potentiometer 3 to obtain the rotation angle result of the inner ring 31.

[0055] Since the rudder angle feedback device detects the rotation angle of the rudder stock through potentiometer 3, and potentiometer 3 is relatively inexpensive, the manufacturing cost of the rudder angle feedback device can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, because the inner ring 31 of potentiometer 3 is directly fitted onto the connecting shaft 2, there is no gear backlash between the connecting shaft 2 and the potentiometer 3, eliminating errors caused by gear backlash and thus improving the detection accuracy of the rudder angle feedback device.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting shaft 2 in the rudder angle feedback device, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the connecting shaft 2 includes a shaft body 21 and a connecting key 22. The connecting key 22 is inserted between the outer peripheral wall of the shaft body 21 and the inner peripheral wall of the inner ring 31, and the length direction of the connecting key 22 is consistent with the length direction of the shaft body 21.

[0057] The connecting key 22 ensures the connection between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3, making the connection between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner ring 31 more stable. When the connecting shaft 2 drives the inner ring 31 to rotate, the connecting key 22 transmits torque during the rotation process, which improves the reliability of the rotation process and also makes the potentiometer 3 more accurate in measuring the rotation angle of the connecting shaft 2.

[0058] Both the shaft 21 and the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3 are provided with keyways 213, and the length direction of the keyways 213 is consistent with the length direction of the shaft 21. This allows one side of the connecting key 22 to be inserted into the keyway 213 of the shaft 21, and the other side of the connecting key 22 to be inserted into the keyway 213 of the inner ring 31.

[0059] The keyway 213 of the shaft 21 and the keyway 213 of the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3 are both used to connect to the connecting key 22, making the connection between the shaft 21 and the inner ring 31 more stable and the connection strength higher.

[0060] For example, the connecting key 22 has a width of 8mm. When the connecting shaft 2 drives the inner ring 31 to rotate, the connecting key 22 transmits torque during rotation. The 8mm wide connecting key 22 provides higher reliability and stronger connection during torque transmission.

[0061] Optionally, the connection between the connecting shaft 2 and the connecting key 22 can be achieved by welding. One side of the connecting key 22 is welded to the shaft 21, and the other side of the connecting key 22 is inserted into the inner circumferential wall of the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3. This design not only ensures the connection between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3, but also improves the connection strength of the connecting key 22, resulting in a connection structure with high rigidity and good overall integrity between the connecting key 22 and the shaft 21.

[0062] Optional, such as Figure 3 As shown, the number of connection keys 22 is one. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of connection keys 22 is not limited to one, but can also be two, three, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0063] For example, when there are two connecting keys 22, the two connecting keys 22 are respectively inserted between the outer peripheral wall of the shaft 21 and the inner peripheral wall of the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3, and the two connecting keys 22 are arranged symmetrically about the axis of the shaft 21.

[0064] The arrangement of the two connecting keys 22 in this way allows the connecting keys 22 to transmit a larger torque, and the connection between the outer peripheral wall of the shaft 21 and the inner peripheral wall of the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3 is more stable.

[0065] See also Figure 3 In this embodiment, the shaft 21 includes a first shaft segment 211 and a second shaft segment 212. The first shaft segment 211 and the second shaft segment 212 are coaxially connected, and the outer diameter of the first shaft segment 211 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second shaft segment 212. The first shaft segment 211 is rotatably inserted into the carrier 1. The second shaft segment 212 is located on one side of the carrier 1, and the end of the second shaft segment 212 connected to the first shaft segment 211 abuts against the carrier 1.

[0066] Since the end of the second shaft segment 212 abuts against the carrier 1, the contact area between the second shaft segment 212 and the carrier 1 is increased, which makes the connecting shaft 2 more stable when rotating relative to the carrier 1 and improves its reliability.

[0067] The first shaft segment 211 is rotatably inserted into the carrier 1. As the rudder stick rotates, the first shaft segment 211 rotates together, thereby driving the second shaft segment 212 connected to one end of the first shaft segment 211 to rotate. This causes the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3, which is sleeved outside the second shaft segment 212, to rotate. The inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3 and the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3 rotate relative to each other, thereby enabling the potentiometer 3 to detect the rotation angle of the rudder stick.

[0068] The keyway 213 of the shaft body 21 is located in the second shaft segment 212. The keyway 213 allows the connecting key 22 to be inserted into the second shaft segment 212, thereby increasing the connection strength between the connecting key 22 and the second shaft segment 212 and making the connection more stable.

[0069] Optionally, the first shaft segment 211 is provided with a cut surface 214.

[0070] One end of the coupling is fitted onto the cut surface 214, connecting the first shaft segment 211 to the coupling, while the other end of the coupling is fitted onto the rudder stock of the azimuth thruster. When the rudder stock rotates, the cut surface 214 transmits the torque between the coupling and the first shaft segment 211.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rudder angle feedback device, showing the assembly relationship between the connecting shaft 2 and the potentiometer 3.

[0072] The rudder angle feedback device includes multiple potentiometers 3, which are arranged at intervals along the shaft 21. A connecting key 22 is inserted into the inner ring 31 of the multiple potentiometers 3, connecting the inner ring 31 of the multiple potentiometers 3 to the second shaft segment 212 of the connecting shaft 2.

[0073] As mentioned earlier, the connecting key 22 is inserted into the inner rings 31 of multiple potentiometers 3, ensuring that the inner rings 31 of the multiple potentiometers 3 rotate synchronously and in the same direction with the connecting shaft 2. The multiple potentiometers 3 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the shaft 21, so that they do not interfere with each other during synchronous and unidirectional rotation, ensuring the independence of the multiple potentiometers 3. At the same time, it also ensures that there is no gear backlash when the connecting shaft 2 and the inner rings 31 of the multiple potentiometers 3 rotate synchronously, which is not easy to damage, the feedback value is accurate, and the measurement accuracy of the potentiometers 3 is improved.

[0074] Multiple potentiometers 3 can simultaneously measure the rotation angle of the inner ring 31, thereby obtaining multiple sets of data and averaging them to optimize the data and improve the accuracy of the measurement data.

[0075] For example, the outer ring 32 of multiple potentiometers 3 is provided with M3 screw holes. The M3 screw holes of the outer ring 32 are distributed on one side end face of the outer ring 32. The M3 screw holes of the outer ring 32 correspond one-to-one with the bolts. The outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3 is fixed to the carrier 1 through the M3 screw holes of the outer ring 32 and the bolts, so that the connection between the outer ring 32 and the carrier 1 is more stable.

[0076] The rudder angle feedback device also includes multiple connectors 4, which are arranged at intervals around the potentiometer 3. Each connector 4 corresponds to a potentiometer 3. One end of the connector 4 is connected to the outer ring 32 of the corresponding potentiometer 3, and the other end of the connector 4 is connected to the carrier 1.

[0077] Multiple connectors 4 are connected at both ends to the outer rings 32 of multiple potentiometers 3 and the carrier 1, respectively, thus fixing the outer rings 32 of the multiple potentiometers 3 to the carrier 1. As mentioned earlier, as the rudder stick rotates, the connecting shaft 2 rotates synchronously and in the same direction, thereby driving the inner rings 31 of the multiple potentiometers 3 sleeved on the connecting shaft 2 to rotate. The multiple connectors 4 fix the outer rings 32 of the multiple potentiometers 3 to the carrier 1, causing relative rotation between the inner rings 31 and the outer rings 32 of the multiple potentiometers 3. Thus, the potentiometers 3 measure the rotation angle of the connecting shaft 2, and further obtain the rotation angle of the rudder stick. The multiple potentiometers 3 are connected to the carrier 1 through a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple connectors 4, while ensuring that the multiple potentiometers 3 do not interfere with each other and are independent.

[0078] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the connector. (Combined) Figure 5 For example, the connector 4 includes a first connector 41, a second connector 42, and a third connector 43 connected in sequence. The first connector 41 is attached to the end face of the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3, and the length direction of the first connector 41 is perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the connecting shaft 2. The two ends of the second connector 42 are respectively connected to the first connector 41 and the third connector 43, and the second connector 42 is perpendicular to the first connector 41 and the third connector 43 respectively. The length direction of the second connector 42 is consistent with the axial direction of the connecting shaft 2, and the third connector 43 is attached to the carrier 1.

[0079] The connector 4 is divided into three sections. The first section 41 is connected to the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3, and the third section 43 is connected to the carrier 1. The second section 42 connects the first section 41 and the third section 43, so that the outer ring 32 is fixed to the carrier 1, thereby making the potentiometer 3 more stable in the rudder angle feedback device.

[0080] The first connecting piece 41 has M3 screw holes, each corresponding to a bolt. These M3 screw holes correspond one-to-one with the M3 screw holes on the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3. The outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3 is fixed to the first connecting piece 41 via the M3 screw holes and bolts. The third connecting piece 43 has M3 screw holes, which, along with M3 screws, fix it to the carrier 1. As described above, the inner rings 31 and outer rings 32 of the multiple potentiometers 3 rotate relative to each other, allowing the potentiometers 3 to measure the rotation angle of the connecting shaft 2, and thus the rotation angle of the rudder post. This also makes the connection between the outer ring 32 and the first connecting piece 41 more stable, and the connection between the third connecting piece 43 and the carrier 1 more stable, improving reliability.

[0081] For example, the first connecting piece 41 and the third connecting piece 43 are provided with M3 screw holes. The M3 screw holes of the first connecting piece 41 correspond one-to-one with the bolts, and the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3 is fixed to the connecting piece 4 through the M3 screw holes of the first connecting piece 41 and the bolts. The M3 screw holes of the third connecting piece 43 correspond one-to-one with the M3 screws, and the carrier 1 and the connecting piece 4 are connected by screws.

[0082] See you again Figure 4 The carrier 1 includes a first cover plate 11, a second cover plate 12, and a surrounding plate 13. The first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 are spaced apart from each other, and the surrounding plate 13 is located between the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 and is connected to the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12 respectively. The first cover plate 11, the second cover plate 12, and the surrounding plate 13 are fixedly connected by bolts. The connecting shaft 2 is rotatably inserted into the first cover plate 11, and the potentiometer 3 is located in the space formed between the first cover plate 11, the second cover plate 12, and the surrounding plate 13.

[0083] The first cover plate 11, the second cover plate 12, and the enclosure plate 13 protect the potentiometer 3 and the connecting shaft 2 in the rudder angle feedback device, allowing them to function normally in different environments to a certain extent. Furthermore, they make disassembly and maintenance of the carrier 1 easier.

[0084] The first cover plate 11 and the outer rings 32 of the multiple potentiometers 3 are screwed together by a third connecting piece 43 and screws. The connecting shaft 2 is rotatably inserted into the first cover plate 11. When the rudder stick rotates, the connecting rod 2 drives the inner rings 31 of the multiple potentiometers 3 to rotate synchronously and in the same direction. The outer rings 32 of the multiple potentiometers 3 remain stationary relative to the carrier 1, causing relative rotation between the inner rings 31 and the outer rings 32 of the multiple potentiometers 3. Thus, the potentiometers 3 measure the rotation angle of the connecting shaft 2, and further obtain the rotation angle of the rudder stick.

[0085] The first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1 is fixed to the third connecting piece 43. As mentioned earlier, the first connecting piece 41 is bolted to the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3, fixing the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3 to the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 2 rotates, the inner rings 31 and outer rings 32 of the multiple potentiometers 3 rotate relative to each other. The first shaft section 211 is rotatably inserted into the central opening of the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1, causing the connecting shaft 2 to rotate along with the rudder, thereby driving the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3, which is sleeved outside the second shaft section 212 of the connecting shaft 2, to rotate. The inner ring 31 and outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3 rotate relative to each other, thus allowing the potentiometer 3 to obtain the rotation angle of its inner ring 31.

[0086] The bolt connection makes the first connecting piece 41 more secure with the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3.

[0087] The space formed between the first cover plate 11, the second cover plate 12 and the surrounding plate 13 serves to fix and protect the potentiometer 3, enabling the rudder angle feedback device to operate normally in various environments.

[0088] The first cover plate 11 is provided with M3 screw holes, which correspond one-to-one with the M3 screw holes of the third connecting member 43. The first cover plate 11 and the third connecting member 43 are fixed together by the M3 screw holes of the first cover plate 11 and the M3 screws. The first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1 has a central opening, and the first shaft segment 211 is rotatably inserted into the central opening of the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1. The second shaft segment 212 is located on one side of the central opening of the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1, and the end of the second shaft segment 212 connected to the first shaft segment 211 abuts against the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1. The side of the enclosure plate 13 of the carrier 1 has an opening.

[0089] The first cover plate 11 is fixed to the third connecting piece 43 by screw connection, making the first cover plate 11 and the connecting piece 43 more stable.

[0090] See you again Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a front view of the rudder angle feedback device. In this embodiment, the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1 is also provided with a bearing 14.

[0091] The bearing 14 includes an inner ring 141 and an outer ring 142. The inner ring 141 is sleeved on the first shaft section 211 of the shaft body 21, and the outer ring 142 is sleeved on the center opening of the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1, so that the connecting shaft 2 rotates together with the rudder stick, thereby driving the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3 sleeved on the second shaft section 22 of the connecting shaft 2 to rotate.

[0092] The bearing 14 connects the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1 and the first shaft section 211 of the shaft 21, so that the connecting shaft 2 can be sleeved on the first cover plate 11 and rotate. The inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3 and the outer ring 32 of the potentiometer 3 will rotate relative to each other, and the potentiometer 3 will obtain the rotation angle of the inner ring 31 of the potentiometer 3.

[0093] Optionally, bearing 14 can be a rolling bearing, but is not limited to one type of rolling bearing. The inner ring 141 is overfitted with the first shaft segment 211 of the connecting shaft 2 and rotates together with the first shaft segment 211 of the connecting shaft 2. The outer ring 142 of bearing 14 cooperates with the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1 to provide support. The rolling bearing converts the sliding friction between the first shaft segment 211 of the rotating connecting shaft 2 and the first cover plate 11 of the carrier 1 into rolling friction, thereby reducing friction loss.

[0094] See you again Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a front view of the rudder angle feedback device. In this embodiment, the enclosure 13 of the carrier 1 is also provided with a stuffing box 15.

[0095] The stuffing box 15 is inserted into the side opening of the enclosure 13 of the carrier 1, and the external power supply line and signal line pass through the stuffing box 15 and are connected to the potentiometer 3.

[0096] Since the stuffing box 15 is inserted into the side opening of the enclosure 13 of the carrier 1, the external power supply line and signal line can be connected to the potentiometer 3 through the stuffing box 15, which achieves the purpose of sealing the shell without affecting the connection of the potentiometer 3 to the power supply and output signal.

[0097] Optionally, a metal wire hole cover can be inserted into the opening on the side of the enclosure 13 of the carrier 1. External power lines and signal lines can be connected to the potentiometer 3 through the metal wire hole cover. The structure has high strength and strong corrosion resistance, and does not affect the connection of the potentiometer 3 to the power supply and output signal.

[0098] As described above, when the rudder stock rotates, the first shaft segment 211 of connecting shaft 2 rotates together. The first shaft segment 211 and the second shaft segment 212 are coaxially connected, thereby driving the inner ring 31 of potentiometer 3, which is sleeved outside the second shaft segment 212, to rotate. This causes relative rotation between the inner ring 31 and the outer ring 32 of potentiometer 3, ultimately allowing potentiometer 3 to obtain the rotation angle of its inner ring 31. The potentiometer 3 has a DC 24V input power supply and an output signal of 4–20mA. The rotation angle of the inner ring 31 of potentiometer 3 is 220±5°, which meets the requirement of ±45° for rudder angle, enabling potentiometer 3 to accurately measure the rudder stock rotation angle. Potentiometer 3 converts the measured rotation angle value into an electrical signal, which is then output through the signal line of stuffing box 15 and fed back to the azimuth thruster.

[0099] This disclosure provides an embodiment of a azimuth thruster, the azimuth thruster including... Figure 1-5 The rudder angle feedback device shown.

[0100] Because this azimuth thruster includes Figure 1-5 The rudder angle feedback device shown indicates that this azimuth thruster has... Figure 1-5 The full benefits of the rudder angle feedback device shown will not be elaborated here.

[0101] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. As for the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since it corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple. For the relevant parts, please refer to the description in the method section.

[0102] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A rudder angle feedback device, characterized in that, It includes a carrier (1), a connecting shaft (2), multiple potentiometers (3) and multiple connectors (4); The connecting shaft (2) is rotatably inserted into the carrier (1). The connecting shaft (2) includes a shaft body (21) and a connecting key (22). The length direction of the connecting key (22) is consistent with the length direction of the shaft body (21). One side plane of the connecting key (22) is welded to the shaft body (21). Multiple potentiometers (3) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the shaft (21). Each potentiometer (3) includes an inner ring (31) and an outer ring (32). The inner ring (31) is rotatably inserted into the outer ring (32). The inner ring (31) is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft (2). The outer ring (32) is connected to the carrier (1). Both the shaft (21) and the inner ring (31) of the potentiometer (3) are provided with keyways (213). The length direction of the keyway (213) is consistent with the length direction of the shaft (21). One side of the connecting key (22) is inserted into the keyway (213) of the shaft (21), and the other side is inserted into the keyway (213) of the inner ring (31). The plane of the other side is inserted into the inner peripheral wall of the inner ring (31) of the potentiometer (3). Multiple connectors (4) are arranged at intervals around the potentiometer (3), and each connector (4) corresponds to one potentiometer (3). One end of each connector (4) is connected to the outer ring (32) of the corresponding potentiometer (3), and the other end of each connector (4) is connected to the carrier (1). Each connector (4) includes a first connector (41), a second connector (42), and a third connector (43) connected in sequence. The first connector (41) is in contact with the end face of the outer ring (32) of the potentiometer (3) and is connected to each other. The length direction of the second connector (42) is consistent with the axial direction of the connecting shaft (2). The third connector (43) is in contact with the carrier (1) and is connected to each other.

2. The rudder angle feedback device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shaft (21) includes a first shaft segment (211) and a second shaft segment (212); The first shaft segment (211) and the second shaft segment (212) are coaxially connected, and the outer diameter of the first shaft segment (211) is smaller than the outer diameter of the second shaft segment (212). The first shaft segment (211) is rotatably inserted into the carrier (1). The second shaft segment (212) is located on one side of the carrier (1), and the end of the second shaft segment (212) connected to the first shaft segment (211) abuts against the carrier (1).

3. The rudder angle feedback device according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The carrier (1) includes a first cover plate (11), a second cover plate (12), and a surrounding plate (13); The first cover plate (11) and the second cover plate (12) are spaced apart from each other, and the surrounding plate (13) is located between the first cover plate (11) and the second cover plate (12), and is connected to the first cover plate (11) and the second cover plate (12) respectively; The connecting shaft (2) is rotatably inserted into the first cover plate (11), and the potentiometer (3) is located in the space formed between the first cover plate (11), the second cover plate (12) and the enclosure plate (13).

4. The rudder angle feedback device according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The carrier (1) also includes a bearing (14); The bearing (14) includes an inner ring (141) and an outer ring (142). The inner ring (141) is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft (2), and the outer ring (142) is connected to the first cover plate (11) of the carrier (1).

5. The rudder angle feedback device according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The carrier (1) also includes a stuffing box (15); The stuffing box (15) is inserted into the enclosure (13) of the carrier (1), and the external power line and signal line pass through the stuffing box (15) and are connected to the potentiometer (3).

6. A full-rotation thruster, characterized in that, Includes the rudder angle feedback device as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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