Steering structure of marine propeller
By designing a marine propeller steering structure comprising a bracket shell and a locking device, convenient switching between automatic and manual control is achieved, solving the problem of the difficulty in effectively combining manual and automatic control systems in the existing technology, and improving operational convenience and navigation safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422674799.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies have difficulty in effectively combining manual and automatic control systems and ensuring convenient and smooth switching between the two, especially in automatic cruising of marine propulsion systems.
A steering mechanism for a marine propeller was designed. This mechanism utilizes a bracket housing and a locking device to achieve automatic or manual steering control. In automatic mode, the locking device secures the relative positions of the first and second hollow tubes, while the steering shaft is driven by a steering motor via a transmission gear set. In manual mode, the locking device is released, allowing the steering shaft to be directly controlled via a handle.
It realizes the convenient switching between automatic steering and manual operation of the thruster, improving the convenience of operation and the safety and accuracy during navigation.
Smart Images

Figure CN223315214U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of marine propellers, in particular to a steering structure of a marine propeller. Background Art
[0002] Small marine thrusters, also known as top-stream anchor throwing machines, have been introduced in recent years to improve the automation and ease of operation of thrusters. Some advanced thruster designs have begun to incorporate electronic remote control technology and GPS navigation systems to achieve more precise directional control and automatic cruise functions. However, in actual use, automatic cruise cannot meet all control scenarios and must be combined with manual operation. With existing technologies, how to effectively combine manual and automatic control systems and ensure convenient and smooth switching between the two still remains a certain challenge. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering structure for a marine propeller, which can realize automatic or manual steering control and has the characteristics of simple structure and convenient operation.
[0004] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve its technical problems is:
[0005] A steering structure for a marine propeller, comprising a support for fixing to a hull, a rotatable steering shaft extending vertically through the support, and a steering device mounted above the support capable of driving the steering shaft to rotate.
[0006] The steering device includes a bracket shell and an automatic steering assembly disposed in the bracket shell, the automatic steering assembly includes a steering motor, a transmission gear set connecting the steering motor and the steering shaft, and a remote control module for controlling the steering motor;
[0007] A handle is installed on one side of the bracket shell, and a first hollow tube is fixedly installed under the bracket shell and is sleeved outside the steering shaft and can rotate relatively. A second hollow tube is provided on the support and can be sleeved outside the first hollow tube. A locking device is provided on the support to fix the relative position of the second hollow tube and the first hollow tube;
[0008] When the locking device fixes the relative position of the first hollow tube and the second hollow tube, the steering motor runs and is in automatic steering mode; when the locking device is released, the first hollow tube and the second hollow tube are in a state of being able to rotate relative to each other, and the steering can be controlled by the handle.
[0009] The locking device includes two clamping blocks installed on the inner wall of the second hollow tube and capable of clamping the outer wall of the first hollow tube. A pin shaft for tightening or loosening the clamping blocks is provided between the two clamping blocks, and a rotating handle is provided at one end of the pin shaft.
[0010] The inner wall of the second hollow tube is provided with a side hole, and the two clamping blocks clamp the outer wall of the first hollow tube through the side hole.
[0011] A GPS module for transmitting position information to a remote control module is provided at the top end of the steering shaft.
[0012] The lower end of the steering shaft is provided with a propulsion device which can rotate along with the steering shaft to adjust the propulsion direction.
[0013] The support is provided with a mounting clamp for fixing the propeller on the hull.
[0014] The beneficial effects of the utility model are:
[0015] The propeller's steering mechanism achieves rotation by controlling the rotation of the steering shaft. In automatic mode, a locking mechanism secures the relative position of the first and second hollow tubes, thereby securing the housing and the support. The steering shaft's rotation is driven and controlled by the steering motor through a transmission gear train, automating the steering function. In manual mode, the locking mechanism is released, allowing the first and second hollow tubes to rotate relative to each other, thereby enabling the housing and the support to rotate relative to each other. At this point, the steering motor is locked, and the steering shaft and the housing are held in place by the resistance of the transmission gear train. Turning the handle on the housing drives the steering shaft, enabling manual steering. This design provides both automatic and manual control of the propeller, improving operational convenience and enhancing safety and precision during navigation. This design allows users to quickly switch from automatic to manual mode when necessary, ensuring system stability and safety when switching between modes.
[0016] 2. In automatic mode, the application of the GPS module provides real-time position information feedback to the remote control module for the thruster. Combined with the GPS navigation system, it can plan routes more accurately and perform automatic driving tasks, further improving the efficiency and accuracy of ship navigation.
[0017] 3. The thruster provides a solution with reasonable structure and easy installation. In particular, by setting the mounting clamp on the support, the entire device can be firmly fixed on the ship. It is suitable for various types of small ships, increasing its practical range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the appearance of the propeller;
[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the thruster structure;
[0020] Figure 3 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the first hollow tube and the second hollow tube;
[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a locking device;
[0022] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the steering device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved by the present invention more clearly understood, the technical solutions of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely intended to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all of it.
[0024] Reference Figure 1 The utility model proposes a steering structure for a marine propeller, comprising a support 1 for fixing on a hull, a steering shaft 3 which is vertically penetrating the support 1 and capable of rotating, and a steering device 2 which is further mounted above the support 1 and capable of driving the steering shaft 3 to rotate;
[0025] Reference Figure 2 The steering device 2 includes a bracket shell 214 and an automatic steering assembly 21 disposed in the bracket shell 214. The automatic steering assembly 21 includes a steering motor 212, a transmission gear set 213 connecting the steering motor 212 and the steering shaft 3, and a remote control module 210 for controlling the steering motor 212.
[0026] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 A handle 20 is installed on one side of the bracket shell 214, and a first hollow tube 211 is fixedly installed under the bracket shell 214 and is sleeved outside the steering shaft 3 and can rotate relatively. A second hollow tube 10 that can be sleeved outside the first hollow tube 211 is provided on the support 1, and a locking device 11 that can fix the relative position of the second hollow tube 10 and the first hollow tube 211 is provided on the support 1.
[0027] Specifically, the steering device 2 of the propeller achieves rotation by controlling the rotation of the steering shaft 3. In automatic mode, the bracket shell 214 as a whole fixes the relative position of the first hollow tube 211 and the second hollow tube 10 via the locking device 11, thereby fixing the bracket shell 214 and the support 1. The rotation of the steering shaft 3 can be driven and controlled by the steering motor 212 through the transmission gear set 213, realizing the automation of the steering function. In manual mode, the locking device 11 is released, and the first hollow tube 211 and the second hollow tube 10 are in a state of relative rotation, thereby enabling the bracket shell 214 and the support 1 to rotate relative to each other. At this time, the steering motor 212 is in a locked state, and the transmission gear set 213 also has rotation resistance. The steering shaft 3 and the bracket shell 214 are in a relatively fixed state. When the handle 20 on the bracket shell 214 is turned, the steering shaft 3 is driven to rotate, realizing manual steering. This design provides automatic and manual control of the propeller, improves the convenience of operation, and enhances the safety and accuracy during navigation. This design allows users to quickly switch from automatic mode to manual mode when necessary, ensuring system stability and safety when switching between different modes.
[0028] Reference Figure 3 The locking device 11 includes two clamping blocks 110 mounted on the inner wall of the second hollow tube 10 and capable of clamping the outer wall of the first hollow tube 211. A pin 112 is disposed between the two clamping blocks 110 for tightening or loosening the clamping blocks 110. A handle 111 is disposed at one end of the pin 112. Specifically, by rotating the handle 111, the threaded structure between the pin 112 and one of the clamping blocks 110 causes the clamping block 110 to move toward the other clamping block, thereby tightening or loosening the outer wall of the first hollow tube 211.
[0029] A side hole 13 is formed on the inner wall of the second hollow tube 10 , and the two clamping blocks 110 clamp the outer wall of the first hollow tube 211 through the side hole 13 .
[0030] A GPS module 5 is mounted on the top of the steering shaft 3, transmitting position information to the remote control module 210. In automatic mode, the GPS module 5 provides real-time position information to the propellers, which is then fed back to the remote control module 210. Combined with the GPS navigation system, the remote control module 210 controls the steering motor 212 in real time to rotate the steering shaft 3. This allows for more accurate route planning and automated driving, further improving the efficiency and accuracy of the vessel's navigation.
[0031] A propulsion device 4 is mounted at the lower end of the steering shaft 3, rotating with the steering shaft 3 to adjust the propulsion direction. Furthermore, in automatic mode, the remote control module 210 controls the steering motor 212 and the propulsion motor within the propulsion device 4 to achieve automatic cruising. In manual mode, the handle 20 controls the thrust of the propulsion device 4.
[0032] Mounting clips 12 are provided on the support 1 for securing the thruster to the hull. This provides a structurally sound and easy-to-install solution for the thruster. The mounting clips 12 on the support 1 allow the entire device to be securely fixed to the vessel, making it suitable for a variety of small vessels and expanding its practical range.
Claims
1. A steering structure for a marine propeller, characterized in that: It comprises a support (1) for fixing on a hull, a steering shaft (3) which is arranged on the support (1) in an up-down direction and is capable of rotating, and a steering device (2) which is also installed above the support (1) and is capable of driving the steering shaft (3) to rotate; The steering device (2) comprises a bracket shell (214) and an automatic steering assembly (21) disposed in the bracket shell (214); the automatic steering assembly (21) comprises a steering motor (212), a transmission gear set (213) connecting the steering motor (212) and the steering shaft (3), and a remote control module (210) for controlling the steering motor (212); A handle (20) is installed on one side of the bracket shell (214); a first hollow tube (211) is fixedly installed below the bracket shell (214) and is sleeved outside the steering shaft (3) and can rotate relatively; a second hollow tube (10) is provided on the support (1) and can be sleeved outside the first hollow tube (211); and a locking device (11) is provided on the support (1) and can fix the relative position of the second hollow tube (10) and the first hollow tube (211); When the locking device (11) fixes the relative positions of the first hollow tube (211) and the second hollow tube (10), the steering motor (212) operates and is in an automatic steering mode; when the locking device (11) is released, the first hollow tube (211) and the second hollow tube (10) are in a state of being able to rotate relative to each other, and the steering can be controlled by the handle (20).
2. The steering structure of a marine propeller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking device (11) comprises two clamping blocks (110) mounted on the inner wall of the second hollow tube (10) and capable of clamping the outer wall of the first hollow tube (211); a pin (112) for tightening or loosening the clamping blocks (110) is provided between the two clamping blocks (110); and a rotary handle (111) is provided at one end of the pin (112).
3. The steering structure of a marine propeller according to claim 2, characterized in that: A side hole (13) is provided on the inner wall of the second hollow tube (10), and the two clamping blocks (110) clamp the outer wall of the first hollow tube (211) through the side hole (13).
4. The steering structure of a marine propeller according to claim 1, characterized in that: A GPS module (5) for transmitting position information to a remote control module (210) is provided at the top end of the steering shaft (3).
5. The steering structure of a marine propeller according to claim 1, characterized in that: A propulsion device (4) is provided at the lower end of the steering shaft (3) and is capable of rotating along with the steering shaft (3) to adjust the propulsion direction.
6. The steering structure of a marine propeller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support (1) is provided with a mounting clamp (12) for fixing the propeller on the hull.