FR2565196A1 - POWER ASSISTED GOVERNOR SYSTEM FOR MARINE PROPULSION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

THE MARINE PROPULSION DEVICE INCLUDES A PROPULSION UNIT AGENCY TO TILT AROUND A TILT AXIS IN THE HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY 42, AND TO DESCRIBE SWIVEL RUDDER MOVEMENTS AROUND A VERTICAL RUDDER AXIS 46, AND A SYSTEM OF ASSISTED GOVERNANCE INTENDED TO CONNECT AN OPERATING BODY 48 TO THE PROPULSION GROUP TO INCREASE THE GOVERNMENT FORCE APPLIED BY THIS GROUP AUDIT BODY. THE ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM IS ENTIRELY SUPPORTED ON THE PROPULSION UNIT AND INCLUDES A CYLINDER 68 WHICH HAS A FIXED AXLE 71 AND PARALLEL TO THE TILTING AXIS AND INCLUDES A CYLINDER 70, A PISTON 72 MOUNTED IN THE CYLINDER AND A PISTON ROD 86, SUBJECT TO EXTENSION AND RETRACTION, CONNECTED TO THE PISTON, AND A CONTROL VALVE 114 CONNECTED TO A SOURCE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID UNDER PRESSURE TO SELECTIVELY CONTROL THE FLOW OF HYDRAULIC FLUID TOWARDS THE SIDES AND FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE PISTON TO CAUSE THE EXTENSION AND RETRACTION OF THE PISTON ROD. THE CONTROL VALVE INCLUDES A SHUTTER 118 AND A VALVE ENCLOSURE 116 MOBILE ANGULARLY AND AXIALLY WITH RESPECT TO ONE THE OTHER. THE SHUTTER IS CONNECTED TO THE OPERATOR 66 AND THE VALVE ENCLOSURE IS CONNECTED TO THE PISTON ROD 86 FOR JOINT MOVEMENT PURPOSES AND IS CONNECTED TO THE PROPULSION UNIT TO DESCRIBE GOVERNING MOVEMENTS IN RESPONSE TO DISPLACEMENT OF THE MANEUVERING BODY.

Description

2565 1 96

  The present invention relates to devices for pro-

  marine drive, such as outboard motors and mo-

  rear tutors, comprising an assisted steering system.

  Attention is drawn to the following US patents which describe previous power steering systems for marine propulsion devices: US N 2,939,417 (Hammock); US N 3,631,833 (Shimanckas); US NO 3,774,568 (Borst); US N 4,227,481 (Cox et al.); US N 4,295,833 (Borst); US N 4,373,920 (Hall et al.);

US N 4.419.084 (Borst).

  Attention is also drawn to requests for bre-

  vet from the following United States: Fergusoh Serial No. 293.324 filed August 17, 1981, Hall et al. Serial No. 485.028 filed April 14, 1983, Hall Serial No. 484.900 filed April 14, 1983 and Hall Serial No. 558.041 filed

December 5, 1983.

  The power amplifier mechanism described in US Patent No. 3,631. 833 (Shimanckas) has a piston rod connected to a boat arch and, therefore, it is not fully supported on mounting means mounted on a boat and connected to the propulsion unit for

  allow steering movements. The governance mechanism

  described in US Patent No. 4,373,920 (Hall et al.) does not work as a power amplifier device for

  increase the steering force applied to the power unit

  sion by an operating member. The power amplifier mechanism described in US patent NI 4,419,084 (Borst) has a gear arrangement which is driven by

  an electric motor controlled by a back-and-forth cable

  come. - The invention provides a marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion group, mounting means intended to be mounted on a boat and

  connected to the propulsion unit to allow movements

  powertrain tilting elements around a tilting axis in the horizontal assembly and pivoting rudder movements in opposite directions

  around an axis of control transverse to the axis of bas-

  culement, a hydraulic cylinder whose axis is fixed and parallel to the tilting axis and which comprises a cylinder and a piston dividing the cylinder in opposite sides, a first of the cylinder components (cylinder or piston) being immobilized according to cylinder axis and the other being movable along this axis, and a control valve assembly comprising a shutter and a

  valve casing movable relative to each other.

  The valve cover is intended to be connected to a

  source of hydraulic fluid under pressure and is hydrau-

  connected only to the opposite sides of the cylinder, and the shutter and the valve cover are movable relative to each other to control the flow of

  hydraulic fluid from the source to the cylinder.

  A first of these elements (valve casing and obtur-

  the other component of the cylinder (cy-

  lindre and piston) for the purposes of joint movement, means are connected to the other of these valve elements for

2565 1 96

  move it relative to the first valve element while

  response to operator action, and means connect the propulsion unit to the other of the cylinder components

  to ensure steering movements of the propulsion group

  sion in response to a displacement undergone by said other component

  cylinder health due to the application of hydraulic fluid

  that under pressure to the cylinder under the action of mounting

control valve.

  The invention also provides a propulsion device

  seafarer with a propulsion unit, means of

  designed to be mounted on a boat and connected to the group

  propulsion pe to allow tilting movements of the propulsion group around a tilting axis in the horizontal assembly and pivoting movements in opposite directions around a transverse control axis At the tilting axis, a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cylinder and a piston housed in the cylinder, one of these components of the

  cylinder (cylinder and piston) being axially immobilized

  the axis of the hydraulic cylinder and the other component of the

  rin being capable of relative axial movement relative to the first cylinder component, and a control valve assembly comprising a shutter and a valve cover

  angularly and axially movable relative to each other

  be. The shutter is axially movable along a wedge axis.

  cidant on the whole with the tilting axis, the envelop-

  valve is intended to be connected to a source of fluid

  of pressurized hydraulics and is hydraulically connected

  on the opposite sides of the cylinder, and the shutter and envelope

  valve pe are movable relative to each other for

  control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the source

  this towards the cylinder. A first of these valve elements (valve casing and plug) is connected to said other cylinder component for the purpose of joint movement, means are connected to the other valve element to move it relative to the first valve element in response to an action

  of the operator, and means connect the propulsion group

  cylinder components to each other to provide

  propulsion unit steering gear in response to

  displacement undergone by said other component of the actuator by

  application of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the

  cylinder under the action of mounting the control valve.

  The invention also provides a propulsion device

  sailor comprising a propulsion unit, means intended

  born to be mounted on a boat and linked to the pro-

  drive to allow group tilting movements

  eg propulsion around a tilting axis in the

  seems horizontal and steering movements pivoting in opposite directions around a transverse steering axis at

  the tilting axis, a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cy-

  lindre and a piston housed in the cylinder, a first of these cylinder components (cylinder and piston) being immobilized

  axially along the axis of the jack and being entirely sup-

  focused on the mounting hardware and the other of the components

  cylinder being axially movable relative to the first com-

  cylinder, and a control valve assembly comprising

  both a shutter and a valve casing movable relative to each other. The valve cover is intended to be connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and is hydraulically connected to opposite sides of the cylinder, and the shutter and the valve cover are movable relative to each other for control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the source to the cylinder. A first of these valve elements (valve casing and shutter)

  is connected to said other cylinder component for movement purposes

  jointly, means are connected to the other of the said elements.

  valve elements to move it relative to the first element

  valve response in response to operator action, and the

  propulsion unit is connected to said other vehicle component

  rin to cause the propulsion unit's steering movements in response to the displacement undergone by this other

  cylinder component due to application of hy-

  hydraulics under pressure to the cylinder under the action of the assembly

control valve.

  In one embodiment, the shutter and the valve cover are angularly and axially movable relative to one another and the shutter is axially movable along

  an axis generally coinciding with the tilting axis.

  In another embodiment, the operating member comprises

  carries a push-pull cable which is connected to the shutter.

  The invention also provides a propulsion device

  seafarer with a propulsion unit, means of

  designed to be mounted on a boat and connected to the group

  prop to allow steering movements of the power unit to pivot in opposite directions around

  a steering axis and power amplifying means

  sance intended to couple an operating member to the propulsion unit to increase the steering force applied to the propulsion unit by the operating member. Power amplifier means are fully supported on

  the mounting means and include a hydraulic cylinder

  carrying a cylinder, a piston mounted in the cylinder to move back and forth therein and a piston rod capable of extension and retraction connected to the piston, and means

  selectively extending and retracting

  tion of the piston rod. The control means comprise first and second elements which are angularly and axially movable relative to each other. A first of these elements is intended to be connected to the operating member to move axially relative to the other element

  in response to movement of the actuator and the

  your element is connected to the piston rod to move jointly with it and connected to the propulsion unit

  to ensure the steering movements of this group in

  response to the displacement of said other element.

  The invention also provides a propulsion device

  seafarer with a propulsion unit, means of

  designed to be mounted on a boat and connected to the group

  prop prop eg to allow steering movements of the propulsion group Pivoting in opposite directions around a steering axis, a hydraulic cylinder connected to the propulsion group to cause the steering movements and comprising an axis, a cylinder and a piston mounted in

  the cylinder, a first of these components of the hydraulic cylinder

  that (cylinder and piston) being immobilized axially according to

  the cylinder axis and the other being axially movable relative to

  port to the first component, and a control valve assembly

  of comprising a valve cover and a movable shutter

  them relative to each other between a turn position

  On the left, a non-turn position and a turn position

  rage on the right. The valve cover is intended to be re-

  linked to a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, is intended to be connected to a reservoir of hydraulic fluid and is hydraulically connected to the opposite sides of the cylinder, the shutter has bars suitable for cooperating with the valve cover and which ensure, when the valve assembly is in the non-turn position, setting the

  pressurized fluid source in communication with the

  servoir and with the opposite sides of the cylinder, which ensure, when the valve assembly is in the turning position A

  left, putting the pressurized fluid source in com-

  munication with a first of said opposite sides of the cylinder

  dre and putting on the other side of the cylinder in communication with the tank and which ensure, when the valve mounting

  is in the right turn position, the setting of the

  this of pressurized fluid in communication with said other side of the cylinder and placing said first side of the cylinder

  in communication with the tank.

  The invention also provides a propulsion device

  seaman with a propulsion unit, means of

  designed to be mounted on a boat and connected to the group

  prop to allow steering movements of the power unit to pivot in opposite directions around

  a steering axis and power amplifying means

  sance intended to couple an operating member to the propulsion unit to increase the steering force applied to the propulsion unit by the operating member. The power amplifying means comprise a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cylinder, a piston mounted in the cylinder

  to move back and forth and an extended piston rod

  flexible and retractable connected to said piston, and means for

  control intended to be connected to a source of hy-

  pressurized hydraulics to selectively control the flow

  hydraulic fluid to opposite sides and at

  from opposite sides of the cylinder to extend

  and retract the piston rod. Control means

  have first and second angular mobile elements

  rally and axially with respect to each other and a pre-

  mier of these elements is intended to be connected to the organ of

  maneuver to move axially relative to said au-

  be an element in response to the movement of the operating member

  vre and said other element is connected to the piston rod to move together with it and is connected to the

  propulsion group to ensure steering movements

  verne in response to movement of said other element.

  The main aim of the invention is to produce a group

  marine propulsion system with a power steering system

  tee fully supported on mounting means mounted on a boat and connected to the propulsion unit to ensure

steering movements.

  Its main aims are also to achieve a dis-

  positive marine propulsion: - comprising a compact power steering system which includes a hydraulic cylinder and a control valve controlled by an operating member comprising a reciprocating cable to selectively cause the extension and retraction of the rod piston and ensure steering movements of the propulsion group; comprising an assisted steering system such as

  described in the immediately preceding paragraph in the-

  which control valve has a shutter and muse in-

  valve cover movable with respect to each other, the shutter

  erator movable axially along an axis which coincides

  overall with the tilting axis of the pro-

  drive; - comprising a series of propulsion units and,

  for these groups individual power steering systems

  dual which can be operated in unison by a single remote control member and are arranged so as to be able to tilt independently of one another; - comprising a series of propulsion units and a single power steering system causing movements

  of all propulsion groups.

  Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention appear

  will appear to a person skilled in the art on reading the description

  tion given below of certain preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a side view of an outboard motor embodying various aspects of the invention;

  Figure 2 is an enlarged, partial top view

  in section and partially schematic, of the

  rudder assisted by the outboard motor shown in the figure

  gure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic detail view

  of the power steering system control valve re-

  shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 of an alternative structure of the control valve provided in the power steering system;

2565 1 96

  Figure 6 is a top view of a governance system.

  power valve provided for two outboard motors mounted side by side; Figure 7 is an elevational view of Figure 6 showing the relative positions occupied by some

  parts when the propulsion units are in one position

  tilting and the other, in the active position; Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 except that the steering mechanism comprises a single power steering system causing the steering movements of the two outboard motors;

  Figure 9 is a top view similar to the figure

  re 2 illustrating a variant of the invention.

  We will now describe some preferred realizations

  of the invention, by way of examples devoid of any

limiting character.

  The drawings show a marine propulsion device, such as an outboard motor or aft engine group, comprising various characteristics according to the invention.

  the concrete structure shown as an example, the

  marine propulsion positive 10 is in the form of an outboard engine comprising a propulsion unit 12 which has an upper drive head 14 in which

  is housed an internal combustion engine 16 and a group

  lower 18 carrying a rotary propeller 20 coupled to the

  tor 16 via a conventional transmission.

  Means are provided for mounting the propulsion group.

  sion 12 on a boat arch 22 so that it can

  tilt vertically around an axis in the hori-

  zontal and rotate in opposite directions around a steering axis

  ne in the transverse assembly to the tilting axis. Although various mounting means can be used, in the concrete structure shown by way of example, these means include a support or jib crane 24 mounted on the yoke 22 of the boat and an articulation or tilting jib 26 articulated on the arcade jib 24 by a

  pivot extending horizontally or through a joint tube

  tion or tilting 28. More particularly, the poten-

  this. of arches 24 comprises two laterally spaced arms 30 and 32 having a bore 34 in which the tube pivots

tilt 28.

  The tilting jib 26 has two ears 36 and 38 located near the arm of the yoke jib 30 and 32 and each having a hole 40O for receiving the tube.

  tilting 28. The tilting bracket 26 is tilted or tilted

  vote in a plane in the vertical assembly, relative to the jib crane 24, around the horizontal axis 42 of the

  tilting tube 28, called here tilting axis.

  The propulsion unit 12 is connected to the tilting bracket 26 by a pivot pin 44 which allows the group 12

  to rotate horizontally, relative to the lower bracket

  abutment 26, in opposite directions around the axis approximately ver-

  tical 46 of the pivot axis 44, here called the steering axis.

  Means are provided for causing steering movements of the propulsion group 12 around the steering axis 46. Although various control means can be used, in the concrete structure shown, these means include a rudder bar or lever rudder 48 having a rear section fixed to the pivot axis 44 and to the propulsion unit 12 and a section directed towards the front 50 offering a lever arm for pivoting the pivot axis

  44 and the propulsion unit 12 around the steering axis

ne 46.

  The steering means also include a steering control device or device 52 comprising a body

  or frame 54 mounted on the hull of the boat and a shaft 56 all

2565 1 96

  roaming in the frame 54 and supporting a steering wheel

  ne 58. The steering device 52 is connected to the arm section 50 of the steering lever 48 by means of a

  control cable assembly 60 to cause movement

  pivoting rudder elements of the propulsion unit 12 in response to the rotation of the rudder wheel 58. In the

  concrete structure shown, cable assembly

  verne comprises a cable sheath 62 fixed by an extremi

  tee at one end of the tilting tube 28 by means of a

  threaded element 64 and a flexible or capped interior element

  reciprocating ble 66 movable relative to the sheath 62. One end of the reciprocating cable 66 is coupled to the shaft

56 of the rudder wheel.

  Power amplifying means 67 coupling the steering device 52 to the propulsion unit 12 are

  designed to increase the steering force applied to the

  control surface 48 by the push-pull cable 66. In the concrete structure shown, these amplifying means

  power or power steering system 67 are fully

  strongly supported on the tilting jib 26 and

  tent a hydraulic cylinder 68 having a steering rod

  only extendable and retractable which is mounted between an

  mite of the reciprocating cable 66 and the arm section 50 of the control lever 48 and which, during its extension or retraction, rotates the propulsion unit 12. The power control system 67 also includes means

  selectively causing extension and re-

  traction of the steering rod in response to the rotation of the rudder wheel 58 and therefore to the axial displacement of the

push-pull cable 66.

  The hydraulic cylinder 68 comprises a cylinder 70 presented

  both a fixed longitudinal axis 71, parallel and spaced with respect to the tilting axis 42, and a piston 72 mounted

  in the cylinder 70 to move there axially back and forth

  come. This piston 72 has a central hole 73 and divides the cylinder 70 into opposite sides or into a first and a

  second pressure chambers 74 and 76.

  One end 78 of the cylinder 70 is closed by a patch

  end king 80 having a central hole 82. The end

  inner tee 84 of a tubular piston rod 86, which slides through the hole 82 of the end wall and constitutes the steering rod, is fixed to the piston 72 and the external end 88 of the piston rod 86 spring of

  cylinder 70. The piston rod 86 comprises a tubular section

  the outer area 90 and an inner tubular section 92 which passes through the hole 73 of the piston and defines a first flow passage 94 communicating with the first chamber

  pressure 74. The inner tubular section 92 is concentrated

  sticks to the outer tubular section 90 and defines with it a second annular flow passage 96 which communicates with the second pressure chamber 76 through holes 98 formed in the outer tubular section 90 near the

piston 72.

  The piston 72 is operated by pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied continuously by a pump 100 which can be driven directly by the motor 16 or by another

  energy source such as electric motor (not shown

  tee) powered by a battery or by a dynamo driven by the motor 16. The pump 100 is connected to a reservoir 104

  by a conduit 106 and to the jack 68 by a supply conduit

  tion 102. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the jack 68 joins the reservoir 104 through a return duct 108. In the event

  overpressure, hydraulic fluid flows from the air line

  supply 102 into return duct 108 through a

  conduit 110 and a vent or decompression valve 112.

  The return pipe 110 is connected to the supply pipe

* 102 through a branch pipe 111 and a check valve

nude 113.

  Control means are provided for controlling se-

  the flow of hydraulic fluid towards

2565 1 96

  from and from the first and second pres-

  sion 74 and 76 to cause extension and retraction

  of piston rod 86. In the concrete structure shown

  These means comprise a control valve 114 comprising

  carrying a first element or valve cover 116 and a second element or slide 118, movable relative to each other. The slide 118 is connected to the reciprocating cable 66 and is axially movable relative to the valve cover 116 in response to the displacement of the reciprocating cable 66. The

  axial displacement of the piston rod 86 with respect to the cy-

  lindre 70 is transmitted to the control lever 48, to make

  swivel the propulsion group 12 around the steering axis

  valve 46, by rigid connection of the piston rod 86 and the valve casing 116 and by a rigid connecting rod 120, articulated by one end 122 on the section

  arm 50 of the control lever 48 and through the op-

  placed 124 on the valve cover 116.

  The valve cover 116 has a bore or cavity of generally cylindrical shape 126 extending axially in which the slide valve 118 is mounted to move axially

  between a first position, left turn, and a

  second position, right turn, located on either side

  be in a third, middle, non-turn position

  qu6e in Figure 3. Hydraulic fluid arrives in the cavity 126 through an inlet port 128 which communicates with

  the supply duct 102 and an annular groove media

  130 formed in the valve casing 114. The hy-

  hydraulics is evacuated from the cavity 126 through grooves

  end annulars] .32 and 134, housed in the envelope

  pe of valve 114 and spaced on either side of the central groove 130, and through respective orifices or return passages 135 and 136 which merge into a single passage or combined return port 137 communicating with the conduit

back 108.

  -The hydraulic fluid passes from the cavity 126 into the cylinder 70 and from the cylinder 70 into the cavity 126 through

  intermediate annular grooves 138 and 140 and passageways

  ges or respective control ports 142 and 144 formed in the valve casing 116. The control port 142 communicates with the first passage 94 of the piston rod

  86 (i.e. with the interior of the tubular section interior

  92) and the orifice 144 is in communication with the second flow passage 96 of the piston rod 86 (that is to say with the annular passage defined between the

  inner 92 and outer 90 tubular sections).

  The drawer 118 has a central cylindrical section

  widened, or bar, 146, and cylindrical sections ex-

  enlarged tremmes, or bars, 148 and 150, spaced on either side of the middle bar 146. The bars 146,

  148 and 150 carry sliding and tightly con-

  be the inner wall of the cavity 126 during the movement

axial drawer 118.

  Support means are provided on the drawer 118 to bear against the opposite ends of the valve cover 116 and mechanically connect the reciprocating cable 66 with the valve cover 116 in the event of a breakdown of the power steering. In the concrete structure shown, the drawer 118 has opposite end sections 152 and 154 projecting outside by the opposite ends of

  the valve cover 116. One end 152 carries a washer 156 which can bear against the valve cover 116 and sufficiently

  spaced therefrom to allow the drawer 118 to move axially from the non-turn position shown to the left turn position described in more detail below. The washer 156 is held in

  place by a nut 158 screwed on the section completely ex-

  end 152 of the drawer.

  The other end 154 of the drawer 118 has a yoke which is articulated, by a bolt 162 and a nut 164,

  on a hollow member or plunger 166 connected to the end

  moved from the 66 push-pull cable and guided for the purposes of movement

  axial relative to the interior of the tilting tube 28.

  The axial movement described by the reciprocating cable 66 and by the plunger 166 in response to the rotation of the rudder wheel causes the axial displacement of the slide

  118 with respect to the valve casing 116. Like the washer-

  the 156, the outer surface 168 of the yoke 160 can carry

  ter against the end of the valve cover 116 and is sufficiently spaced therefrom to allow the drawer 118 to pass from the non-turn position to a turn position at

  right described in more detail below.

  When the drawer 118 is in the non-turning position, the central bar 146 partially covers or intercepts the central groove 130 and the end bars 148 and 150 overlap or partially intercept the respective extreme grooves 132 and 134. Hydraulic fluid under pressure penetrates into the central groove 130 from the inlet orifice 128 and passes into the cavity 126 by crossing the opposite edges of the central bar 146. The first pressure chamber 74 is in communication with the cavity 126 through the first passage 94 , the orifice 142 and the intermediate groove 138. The second chamber

  pressure 76 is in communication with the cavity 126 through

  towards the holes 98, the second passage 96, the orifice of

  valve 144 and the intermediate groove 140. Thus, the two sides of the piston 72 are exposed to the pressurized fluid

  when the drawer 118 is in the non-turn position.

  When the reciprocating cable 66 is not being moved, the extension or retraction of the piston rod 86 causes an axial movement of the casing

  valve 116 relative to the drawer 118. The area on the side of the

  your looking towards the first pressure chamber 74 is

  greater than the area on the side looking towards the second cham-

  pressure bre 76, due to the voluiie occupied by the piston rod 86. So, when the drawer 118, is brought into position

  median or non-bend, the piston rod 86 tends to go down

  follow and move the valve cover 116 to the right

  te, in Figure 3, until the pressures acting

  on opposite sides of piston 72 are balanced to apply

  quer pressure forces substantially equal to the two sides of the piston 72. In other words, the size of the gap existing between the left edges of the center bar 146 and -the middle groove 130 decreases, which reduces the arrival of hydraulic pressure in the first pressure chamber 74, while the size of the gap existing between the

  straight edges of the central bar 146 and of the medial groove

  diane 130 increases, which increases the hydraulic pressure

  applied to the second pressure chamber 76.

  To external forces acting on the propulsion group

  sion 12 and tending to rotate it around the axis of

  governs 46, a resistance is similarly opposed.

  For example, a force tending to rotate the propulsion group 12 counterclockwise in Figure 2 would tend to move the valve cover 116 to the right

  and to increase the gap between the straight edges of the bar-

  median ridge 146 and median groove 130 by reducing the gap between the left edges of median bar 146 and median groove 130. This would increase the pressure prevailing in the second pressure chamber 76 to resist

  to the extension of the piston rod 86.

  Pump 100 operates continuously during operation.

  propulsion group 12. Consequently, when the slide 118 is in the non-turning position, part of the hydraulic fluid escapes from the cavity 126 through

  return ports 135, 136 and 137 and join the reservoir

  see 104 through return pipe 108.

  When drawer 118 is moved to the right relative to

  port to valve cover 116, or to the position of vi-

  rage Right, by a push applied to the cable back and forth

  comes 66, the extreme left bar 148 covers the extreme left throat 132, the extreme right bar 150 unmasks

  completely the extreme right throat 134 and the bar

  diane 146 completely unmasks, by moving to its right, the 130th median groove A first passageway, constituted by the median throat 130, the cavity 126, the orifice

  this control surface 142 and the first flow passage 94 m

  swam in the piston rod 86, puts the first chamber of

  pressure 74 in communication with the inlet port 128.

  This first passageway also comprises the return orifice 136, the extreme right groove 134, the cavity 126, the control orifice 144, the second flow passage 96 formed in the piston rod 86, and the holes 98 put the second pressure chamber 76 in communication with

the combined return port 137.

  Due to the above-mentioned connections, the piston rod

  86 is extended and the valve cover 16 is removed.

  positioned to the right, which rotates the pro-

  pulse 12 counterclockwise around the axis of gou-

  valve 46 via the connecting rod 120 and the control lever 48. As the piston rod

  86 is extended, the valve cover 116 is moved axially-

  lie to the right with respect to drawer 118 and continues to move to the right until reaching the non-turn position, after which the pressure forces acting on

  the opposite sides of the piston 72 are balanced as

  crit above. The piston 86 is held in a position

  corresponding to the angular position of the steering wheel

  nail 58 until you later rotate this

  wheel to change the direction of travel of the boat.

  When the slide is moved to the left relative to the valve cover 116, to the turn position at

  left due to pulling on the back-and-forth cable

  comes 66, the extreme right bar 150 covers the extreme right throat 136, the extreme left bar 148 unmasks

  completely the extreme left throat 132 and the bar

  diane 146 unmasks the middle throat 130, moving to the left of it. A second passageway,

  formed by the middle groove 130, the cavity 126, the orifice

  this control surface 144, the second flow passage 96 and the holes 98, places the second pressure chamber 76 in communication with the inlet port 128. This second passage channel also comprising the return port 135 , the

  extreme left throat 132, the cavity 126, the orifice of

  valve 142 and the first passage 94, puts the first pressure chamber 74 in communication with the return orifice

combined 137.

  Due to the above-mentioned connections, the piston rod 86 is retracted and the valve cover 116 is moved to the left, which makes the propulsion unit pivot

  12 clockwise around the steering axis 46 to

  that the valve cover 116 reaches relative to

  at drawer 118 the non-turn position described above.

  When the drawer 118 is in the non-turn position,

  a third passageway, consisting of the metro gorge

  diane 130, cavity 126, intermediate groove 136, ori-

  control surface 142 and the first passage 94, as well as through the intermediate groove 140, the control orifice 144, the

  second passage 96 and the holes 98, puts the first and se-

  pressure chambers 74 and 76 in communication with the inlet port 128, which causes the application of pressure forces substantially equal to the opposite sides of the

piston 72, as described above.

  Means are provided for mounting the jack 68 so that it rocks jointly with the propulsion unit 12 around the tilting axis 42 and so as to prohibit or restrict its axial movement parallel to the axis

  42. Although various agencies can be adopted-

  suitable elements, in the concrete structure shown, the jack 68 is integral with a cylindrical piece 170 in which the tilting tube 28 and which is

2565 1 96

  placed between the ears 36 and 38 of the lower bracket

  carefully. We can ensure the joint tilting of the jack 68 by dimensioning the part 170 so that it has a tight fit between the ears 36 and 38 of the tilting bracket. Alternatively, one can provide on the part 170 and on the ears of the tilting bracket 36 and 38 means

  fitting into each other. For example, as shown

  tee in FIG. 4, one or both of the tilting jib ears 36 and 38 may have a protuberance 172 which penetrates into a groove 174 formed on one side of the part 170 when one inserts this one, during

  of the assembly, between the rocker arm ears-

ment 36 and 38.

  In operation, the rudder wheel 58 being centered

  trée and the propulsion unit 12 being in the running position

  Che straight forward, pressurized hydraulic fluid arrives in both the first and the second pressure chambers 74 and 76 and the piston rod 86 is maintained in the non-bend position as described above. When we

  turns rudder wheel 58 to the left, the cable

  ble back and forth 66 and the plunger 166 are attracted to the left and the slide 118 is brought to the left in the left turn position to put the second pressure chamber 76 in communication with the intake port

  128 and put the first pressure chamber 74 into communication

  cation with return ports 135 and 137 as described

upper.

  Consequently, the piston rod 86 is retracted

  tee, which causes the valve casing 116 to move to the left relative to the jack 68 and thereby rotates the power unit clockwise around the steering axis 46 to turn the boat towards the left. Simultaneously, the valve cover 116 moves axially relative to the slide 118 until it reaches a

2565 1 96

  location corresponding to the third position or posi-

  middle position of the drawer 118. The steering action is then terminated and the propulsion unit 12 is maintained in the turning position as described until the rudder wheel 58 is again turned. turn the rudder wheel 58 to the right, the reciprocating cable 66 and the plunger 166 are pushed to the right and the drawer is brought

  to the right in the right turn position to put

  be the first pressure chamber 74 in communication with the inlet port 128 and put the second pressure chamber 76 in communication with the outlet ports 136 and 137 as described above. Consequently, the piston rod 86 is extended, causing the valve cover 116 to move to the right relative to the cylinder 68 and thereby pivoting the propulsion unit 12 to cause the boat to veer to the left. The valve cover 116 moves to the central position and the propulsion unit 12 is held in the turning position until

  again turn the rudder wheel 58 as described above

  above. If the piston 72 heels against the cylinder in either direction, the pressure relief valve 112 opens to limit the application of pressure to a determined level.

  hydraulic to the power or steering amplifier system

assisted verne.

  You can steer by manually rotating the

  propulsion unit 12 in the event of a breakdown of the steering system

  assisted verne. When moving the reciprocating cable 66 to the left, the washer 156 finally encounters a

  end of valve cover 116 and causes mechanical-

  moving it to the left in a way

  re analogous to the movement of drawer 118 under the effect of

  push-pull cable 66 and plunger 166. This movement

  valve casing 116 rotates the group of

2565 1 9-6

  propulsion 12 clockwise through

  the connecting rod 120. Similarly, the exterior surface

  re 168 of the yoke 160 comes to meet the valve casing 116 and rotates the propulsion unit 12 counterclockwise when the drawer 118 is moved to the right

  by the reciprocating cable 66 and the plunger 166.

  The hydraulic fluid displaced in the cylinder 70, during the extension or retraction of the piston rod 86 in response to the displacement of the valve casing 116, is discharged from the control valve 114 through the orifice combined return 137 and rejoins, via the branch conduit 111 and the check valve 113, the supply conduit 102. It will be appreciated that the actuator 68 can be arranged so that the piston 72 is immobilized axially along the axis of the

  cylinder and that the cylinder 70 is axially movable relative to

  port to piston 72. In addition, the valve can be arranged

  114 and the connections between the jack 68 and the group of

  propulsion 82 so that the drawer 118 is connected to the ti-

  piston age 86 or cylinder 70 and that the van shell

  114 is connected to the reciprocating cable 66.

  5 shows a variant structure of the control valve 114a and the elements similar to those of the control valve 114 shown in Figure 3 are designated by the same reference numerals. In this structural variant, the drawer 118a is arranged so that the central bar 146a completely covers the groove

  median 130 and that the end bars 148a and 150a represent

  completely cover the respective extreme grooves 132 and 134 when the drawer occupies its third position, not

  turn. The power steering system works sensitive-

  in the same way when the drawer 118a is in the left turn and right turn positions and the

  first and second pressure chambers 74 and 76 are al-

  ternatively connected to inlet 128 and

  the mixed return orifice 137 by passageways such as

  the first and second passageways described above.

  When the drawer 118a is in the non-vira-

  ge shown in Figure 5, the central groove 130 communicates with the inlet port 128 and the end grooves 132 and 134 communicate with the mixed return port 137 and. are closed. Therefore, communication is prohibited between the first and second pressure chambers 74 and 76 and one or the other of the inlet ports 128 and mixed return 137. Consequently, the hydraulic fluid originating

  of pump 100 joined, through the pressure relief valve-

  sion 112 -and the return pipe 108, the tank 104. From

  hydraulic fluid is trapped inside the cavi-

  tee 126, steering ports 142 and 144, first and second passages 94 and 96 and first and second pressure chambers 74 and 76. The substantially incompressible hydraulic fluid prevents displacement of the piston 72, and therefore of the group of propulsion 12, until the slide 118a passes from the non-turn position in one or other of the

  left turn or right turn positions.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,

  several outboard motors 180, for example two, are fitted

  tees side by side on a bow of a boat 22. Each outboard motor 180 includes a propulsion group 12, such as that described above, supported on the bow 22 of the boat

  by a jib crane 24 and by a jib crane-

  ment 26 so as to be able to tilt around a lower axis

  generally horizontal and describe movements

  of control around an axis of control in the whole ver-

  tical. Each propulsion group 12 includes an assisted steering system similar to that described above. More

  in particular, each power steering system includes

  carries a jack 68 comprising a part 170 in which

  journals a tilting tube 28, a control valve

  of 114 having a valve cover 116 connected to a

  piston rod 86, a connecting rod 120 connecting the

  valve cover 116 to a control lever 48 provided on the propulsion unit 12, and a drawer 118 intended to co-control the sending of hydraulic fluid to the jack 68 in response

  relative axial movement of the drawer 118 and the casing

valve pe 116.

  Power steering systems have opposite arrangements so that they can both be maneuvered by a single operating member or steering device. One end of the left propulsion unit drawer 12 is connected to a boat steering device, such as a rudder wheel like that shown in FIG. 2, by a steering cable assembly 60 comprising a back-and-forth cable. - comes 66 and a plunger 166 which passes through the tilting tube 28 and is connected to a yoke 160 carried by the drawer 118. The axial movement described by the cable

  reciprocating 66 and by the plunger 166 under the ac-

  tion of the steering device moves the drawer 118 to selectively cause the extension and retraction of the

  piston rod 86 as described above.

  One end 152 of the drawer 118 of the right-hand propulsion group 12 is connected, by means of the yoke 160

  respective, to a rod 182 sliding in the bottom tube

respective 28.

  Means are provided for connecting the drawers 118 to one another so that they move in unison in

  response to the movement of the reciprocating cable 66 and the pis-

  your plunger 166 and that the two propulsion groups 12 rotate in the same direction. Although various arrangements can be adopted, in the concrete structure shown, the drawers 118 are mechanically connected to each other by a connection bar assembly 184 comprising a horizontal bar or rod 186 and two angled branches at right angles.

  188. Each branch at angle 188 is connected by an end

  mite to the respective drawer trunk 160 and by the other ex-

end to rod 186.

  In operation, when the reciprocating cable 66 and the plunger 166 are attracted to the left due to the rotation of the rudder wheel, the drawer 118 of the left propulsion unit takes by displacement towards the

  left the left turn position, as described above

  sus. The drawer 118 of the right propulsion unit is also moved to the left via the mounting of

  link bar 184. However, it takes the second posi-

  tion described above because its control valve 114 has an opposite arrangement or offset by 180 relative to the control valve 114 of the left propulsion unit. Consequently, the piston rod 86 of the right propulsion group 12 is put in extension and each propulsion group pivots clockwise around the steering axis 46

  respective. Opposite action of the piston rod 86 appears

  rait to rotate the power units in direction

  opposite when the reciprocating cable 66 and the piston plunger

  geur 166 are moved to the right.

  In the event of a failure of either of the power steering systems, the washers 156 and yokes 160 carried by the

  118 drawers allow you to steer by rotating my-

  only the propulsion units 12 as described above

  above. Power steering systems are provided with means

  to switch the independent propulsion groups

  hanging from each other, although the drawers are mixed

  canonically linked to each other to orient in unison

  propulsion groups. In the concrete structure depicted

  felt, there is between each valve casing 116 and

  each drawer 118 a possibility of relative movement an-

  gular, in addition to the possibility of axial relative movement, and

  the longitudinal axis of each drawer 118 coincides in the

2565 1 96

  appears with the tilting axis 42. Thus, a valve cover 116 can pivot around the respective drawer 118 when one of the propulsion groups 12 is tilted by

  relationship to each other as shown in dashed lines on the figure

  gure 7. The branches 188 of the tie rod assembly

  184 are preferably connected in an adjustable manner to the bar-

* re 186, for example screwed into this bar, so that

  can adjust the length of the link bar for the adapt-

  ter to variations in lateral spacing between groups

  propulsion and to adjust the degree of pinching (conver-

  gence) or openness (divergence) between pro groups

drive 12.

  8 shows a variant of a power steering mechanism for several outboard motors 190, for example two, mounted side by side on a boat arch as in the embodiment according to Figures 6 and 7, but controlled by a single system of power steering. In this embodiment, the drawer 118 of the left propulsion unit 12 is connected to the steering device and operates

  as described for the left-hand propulsion unit of the

  reading according to FIGS. 6 and 7. Means are provided for connecting the neighboring propulsion groups to one another so that they all jointly describe control movements in response to the movement of the reciprocating cable 66. In the concrete structure shown, the right propulsion group 12 is mechanically connected to the left propulsion group 12 by a rod 192 articulated by a

  end 194 on the steering arm 48 of the prop group

  drive 12 right and through the other end 196 on the envelope

  valve pe 116 of propulsion group 12 left, so

  that, during a displacement of the propulsion group's

  sion 12 left, the power unit 12 right moves in unison. Alternatively, a similar rod can connect

  the steering arms of neighboring propulsion units.

  Although, in the preferred embodiment, a reciprocating cable is used to move the drawer 118 axially, other means can be used, for example a

hydraulically operated mechanism.

  Figure 9 shows another possible structure

  of the power steering system according to the embodiment

  preferred tion. Organs similar to those of the realization-

  preferred tion are designated by the same reference numbers

  risk. The power amplifying means 267 accou-

  plent the steering device 52 to the power unit 12 to increase the steering force applied to the steering lever 48 by the reciprocating cable. As in the preferred embodiment, the power amplifier means

  or 267 power steering system is fully supported

  tee on the tilting jib 26 and includes a jack

  hydraulic 268 comprising a steering rod 286 above

  extension and retraction cap which is mounted between one end of the reciprocating cable 66 and the section of

  arm 50 of the control lever 48 and which, when extended

  or retraction, rotates the prop group

drive 12.

  The hydraulic cylinder 268 comprises a cylinder 270 and

  a piston 272 mounted in the cylinder 270 for the purpose of movement

  reciprocating axial movement of the cylinder 270 with respect to the piston 272. The piston 272 divides the cylinder 270 into two opposite sides or into first and second chambers

pressure 274 and 276.

  One end of the cylinder 270 is closed by an end wall 280 having a central hole which a piston rod 286 slides through. Piston rod 286

2565 1 96

  is permanently fixed to piston 272 and its end

  external unit 288 comes out of cylinder 270 and is immobilized

  axially seated by a piston rod stem 371, in

  which pivots the tilting tube 28, arranged in

  be the ears of the tilting stem 36 and 38. The stem of the piston rod 371 plays the same role as the part

  , secured to the cylinder, of the preferred embodiment.

  The piston 272 is operated by pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied continuously by a pump 100. The pump 100 is connected to a reservoir 104 by a conduit 106 and to the

  cylinder 268 through a supply conduit 102. The hy-

  hydraulic evacuated from the cylinder 268 joins the tank 104 by

a return duct 108.

  Control means similar to those of the realization

  Preferred tion are provided to selectively control the flow of hydraulic fluid to, and from, the first and second pressure chambers 274 and 276 to cause extension and retraction of the cylinder 270 relative to the stem. piston 286. In the illustrated variant, these means are a control valve 314 comprising a first element or valve cover 316 and a second element or drawer 318 movable relative to each other, the drawer 318 is connected to the cable reciprocating 66 in the same manner as in the preferred embodiment and is axially movable relative to the valve cover 316 in

  response to cable displacement 66.

  The axial movement of the cylinder 270 with respect to the ti-

  piston age 286 is transmitted to the control lever 48, to rotate the propulsion unit 12 around the control axis 46, by rigid connection of the cylinder 270 and the valve casing 316 by a rigid link rod 320 articulated by one end on the arm section 50 of the control lever 48 and by its other end on

the valve cover 316.

  The valve cover 316 and the drawer 318 are similar

  to those of the preferred embodiment. The orifice of govern-

  ne 142 is placed in communication with the first chamber 274 of the cylinder 270 by a passage formed in the envelope of

  valve 316 and the control orifice 144 is brought into communication with the second chamber 276 of the cylinder 270 by a

  second passage in the valve cover 316.

  When drawer 318 moves to the right relative

  port to valve cover 316, or to the position of vi-

  rage on the right, the cylinder 270 goes in extension relative to

  port to piston rod 286 and valve cover 316 is

  moves to the right, rotating the power unit

  sion 12 counterclockwise around the steering axis

  ne 46 via the link rod 320 and

of the control arm 48.

  When drawer 318 moves to the left relative

  port to the valve cover 316, or towards the left turn position, the cylinder 270 retracts with respect to

  piston rod 286 and valve cover 316 move

  this to the left, rotating the power train

  12 clockwise around the steering axis 46.

  Provided that the roles of the cylinder 270 and of the piston rod 286 according to the variant are reversed, so that it is the piston rod 286 which is fixed and the cylinder 270 which moves relative to this rod 286 , the jack according to the variant operates in the same way as the jack 68 of the preferred embodiment. It is therefore unnecessary to describe in more detail the operation of cylinder 268

depending on the variant.

Claims (34)

  1. Marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion group (12), mounting means (24, 26) intended   to be mounted on a boat and connected to the propulsion group   sion to allow group tilting movements   propulsion around a tilt axis (42) in the   seems horizontal and steering movements pivoting in opposite directions around a control axis (46) transverse to the tilting axis, characterized in that it further comprises a hydraulic cylinder (68, 268) whose axis ( 71) is fixed and parallel to the tilt axis (42) and which comprises a cylinder (70,270) and a piston (72, 272) dividing it into opposite sides (74,76; Z74,276), a first of these components of   cylinder (cylinder or piston) being immobilized axially   the cylinder axis and the other cylinder component being   bile axially along the axis of the jack with respect to said   first component, a control valve assembly comprising   both a shutter (118,218,318) and a valve cover (116,316) movable relative to each other, the valve cover being intended to be connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and being hydraulically connected to opposite sides of the cylinder, the shutter and the casing   valve being movable relative to each other to com-   order the flow of hydraulic fluid from the source   towards the cylinder, means connecting a first of these elements   valve components (valve cover and plug) to said other cylinder component for joint movement,   means connected to the other of the valve elements for the displacement   cer with respect to the first valve element in response to an action of the operator, and means connect the propulsion unit to another of the cylinder components to ensure   propulsion group steering movements in response to   se Has a displacement undergone by said other cylinder component   following the application of hydraulic fluid under pres-   sion to the cylinder under the action of the valve assembly order.   2. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 1, characterized in that said shutter and said valve cover are movable relative to each other angularly and axially and in that the shutter is movable axially along an axis coinciding in the assembly with the tilting axis (42).   3. Marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion group, mounting means intended to be mounted   on a boat and connected to the propulsion group to allow   be tilting movements in the horizontal assembly and pivoting movements in opposite directions around a control axis transverse to the tilting axis, characterized   in that it further comprises a hydraulic cylinder comprising   both a cylinder and a piston housed in the cylinder and divided   sant the cylinder on opposite sides, one of these cylinder components (cylinder and piston) being immobilized axially in the direction of the axis (71) of the hydraulic cylinder and the other cylinder component being capable of relative axial movement by relative to the first cylinder component, a control valve assembly comprising a shutter and a valve casing movable angularly and axially with respect to each other, the shutter being movable axially   along an axis coinciding on the whole with the axis of bas-   the valve housing being intended to be connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and being   hydraulically connected to opposite sides of the cylinder, the ob-   the valve and the valve housing being movable relative to one another   port to another to control the flow of hydro fluid   from the source to the cylinder, means connecting a first of these valve elements (valve casing and   shutter) to said other cylinder component for the purpose of   jointly, means linked to the other element of van-   ne to move it relative to said first valve element in response to an action by the operator, and means connecting the propulsion unit to said other actuator component to ensure steering movements of the group of   propulsion in response to the displacement experienced by this other com-   cylinder actuator following the application of hydraulic fluid   pressurized connection to the cylinder ensured by the valve assembly of order.   4. Marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion group (12), means intended to be mounted on a boat and connected to the propulsion group to allow tilting movements of the propulsion group around a tilting axis (42) overall horizontal and   steering movements pivoting in opposite directions to the   turn of a control axis (46) transverse to the tilt axis   Lement, characterized in that it further comprises a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cylinder and a piston housed in the   cylinder, a first of these cylinder components being immo-   axially biased along the axis (71) of the jack and being in   fully supported on the mounting means and the other com-   actuator posing being axially movable relative to said first actuator component, a control valve assembly comprising a movable shutter and valve cover   relative to each other, the valve cover being   designed to be connected to a hydraulic fluid source under   pressure and being hydraulically connected to said oppo-   of the cylinder, the shutter and the valve cover being   movable relative to each other to control the flow   hydraulic fluid from the source to the cylinder   dre, means connecting a first of these valve elements (valve casing and shutter) to said other cylinder component for the purposes of joint movement, means connected to the other of said elements to move it relative to said first element in response to operator action, and means connecting the propulsion unit to the other of said   cylinder components to cause steering movements   ne in response to movement of said other cylinder component   as a result of the application of hydraulic fluid under pres-   cylinder actuation ensured by mounting the control valve.   5. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion ", characterized in that the shutter and the valve cover are angularly and axially movable relative to one another and the shutter is axially movable along an axis coinciding in general with the tilt axis (42). 6. Marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion group (12), mounting means (24, 26) intended   to be mounted on a boat and connected to the propulsion group   to allow steering movements of the power unit to pivot in opposite directions around an axis of   control surface (46) and power amplifying means   intended to couple an operating member to the pro-   drive to increase the steering force applied to the propulsion unit by the operating member, characterized   in that the power amplifying means are entirely   supported on said mounting means and comprising a hydraulic cylinder (68, 268) comprising a cylinder (70,   270), a piston (72,272) mounted in the cylinder for movement therein   see back and forth and an expandable and retractable piston rod (86,286) connected to the piston, and control means selectively ensuring the extension and retraction of the piston rod, the control means comprising a first and a second elements movable angularly and axially with respect to each other, a first of these elements being   intended to be connected to the operating member to move   cer axially with respect to the other element in response to the movement of the operating member, and the other element   being connected to the piston rod to move joint-   lie with it and connected to the propulsion group to ensure   steering movements of this group in response to the displacement cemenr.t of said other element.   7. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 6, characterized in that said mounting means (24, 26) are further connected to said propulsion group (12) so as to allow group tilting movements   propulsion around a tilt axis (12) in the   seems horizontal and in that said second element is movable along an axis coinciding in general with the axis tilt (42).   8. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 7, characterized in that the operating member is a reciprocating cable (66) having a section which generally coincides with the tilting axis and coupled with said second element.   9. Marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion group (12), mounting means intended to be mounted on a boat and connected to the propulsion group for   allow steering movements of the propulsion group   swiveling in opposite directions around a steering axis   ne (46), characterized in that it further comprises a hydraulic cylinder connected to the propulsion group to cause the steering movements and comprising an axis (71), a cylinder and a piston mounted in the cylinder and dividing it   on opposite sides, a first of said components of the hydraulic cylinder   hydraulics (cylinder and piston) being axially immobilized   along the cylinder axis and the other of the components being movi-   axially with respect to the first component, and a mounting   control valve ge comprising a valve cover and a shutter movable relative to each other between a left turn position, a non-turn position and a right turn position, the valve cover   being intended to be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid   pressure vessel, being intended to be connected to a tank   see hydraulic fluid (104) and being hydraulically   connected to opposite sides of the cylinder, the shutter presents   both bars (146,148,150) adapted to cooperate with the valve casing and ensuring, when the valve assembly is in the non-bending position, the source of pressurized fluid in communication with the reservoir (l00) and with the opposite sides of the cylinder, ensuring, when the valve assembly is in the left turn position, the placing of the source of pressurized fluid in communication with a first of said opposite sides of the cylinder and the putting of the other side of the cylinder in communication with the reservoir (104) and ensuring, when the valve assembly   is in the right turn position, putting the mouse   that of pressurized fluid in communication with said other side of the cylinder and the placing of said first side of the cylinder   in communication with the reservoir (104).   10. Marine propulsion device comprising a group   propulsion (12) mounting means (24,26) intended   to be mounted on a boat and connected to said group of pro-   drive to allow steering movements of this group   eg propulsion pivoting in opposite directions about a steering axis (46), characterized in that it further comprises a hydraulic cylinder having an axis (71) which extends   transversely to the steering axis and comprising a cylinder   dre and a piston mounted in this cylinder and dividing it into   opposite sides, a first of these cylinder components (cylin-   dre and piston) being immobilized along the axis of the jack and the other component being axially movable relative to said first jack component, means connecting the group of   propelling said cylinder components for provo-   that a steering movement of the propulsion group in re   response to a displacement of said other component consecutive to   applying hydraulic fluid under pressure to said cy-   lindre, and a control valve assembly comprising a valve cover and a shutter movable relative to one another   to the other between a left turn position, a position   no turn and a right turn position, ladi-   valve cover having an inlet port (128) intended to be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid under 2565 1 96   pressure, first and second return ports (135,   136) intended to be connected to a hydrau-   lique (104) and first and second control ports   (142,144) communicating with said opposite sides of the cylinder   dre (74,76), said shutter having bars (146,   148,150) capable of cooperating with the valve cover and ensuring   when the valve assembly is in the non-vira-   ge, putting said intake port in communication with   each of said return ports and with each of said ports   steering systems, ensuring, when the valve assembly is   in said left turn position, placing the orifice   that of admission in communication with the first orifice of   control, the setting of the second control orifice and communication   cation with the return port, and the interception of the ori-   return flow, and ensuring, when the valve assembly is   in the right turn position, putting the inlet   sion in communication with the second control port, putting the first control port in communication with the   first return port and interception of the second port this back.   11. Marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion group (12), mounting means (24, 26) intended to be mounted on a boat and connected to the propulsion group   to allow movements of the pro group   drive Pivoting about a steering axis (46) and power amplifying means intended to couple an operating member to the propulsion unit to increase the steering force applied to the propulsion unit by the operating member, characterized in that said power amplifying means comprising a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cylinder, a piston mounted in the cylinder to move therein back and forth and dividing this cylinder into   opposite sides, and an extendable and retractable piston rod   ble connected to said piston, and control means intended   To be connected to a hydraulic fluid source under pressure   sion for selectively controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from said opposite sides   opposite sides of the cylinder for extension and retraction   ter the piston rod, said control means comprising first and second movable elements (116,118) angularly and axially with respect to each other, a first of these elements being intended to be connected to the member operating (66) to move axially relative to said   other element in response to the displacement of the organ of ma-   work and said other element being connected to the rod of pis-   ton (86) to move jointly with it and connected to the propulsion unit to ensure movement of   governs in response to the movement of said other element.   12. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 11, characterized in that said mounting means   are also connected to the propulsion unit so as to   put a propulsion group tilting movement   around a tilting axis (42) in the horizon-   tal and in that said second element is axially movable   along an axis coinciding on the whole with the axis of bas- carefully.   13. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 12, characterized in that said first element (116)   is connected to the piston rod (86) and to the power unit   sion (12) and ensures pivoting movements of the control surface   propulsion group in response to extension and re-   traction of the piston rod, and in that said second element (118) is connected to the operating member (66) and is movable relative to said first element between a first   and a second position in response to the displacement of the   maneuvering gane, said control means causing the ex-   tension of the piston rod (86) when the second element is in the first position and causing retraction   of the piston rod when the second element is in the se- this position.   14. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 13, characterized in that said second element (118) can take a third position and in that said control means prevent the extension or retraction of the piston rod when the second element (118) is in his third position.   15. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 14, characterized in that said control means   show substantially even pressure forces   brées on both sides of the piston when the second element   (118) is in its third position.   16. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 14, characterized in that said control means prevent the hydraulic fluid present in the cylinder from   escape from either side of the piston.   17. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 13, characterized in that the second element (118) pre-   feels first and second support means (156,160) of the   intended to bear against the first element (116) and to attach   mechanically bend this first element with the ma-   noeuvre (66) in response to movement of the operating member   veers in opposite directions in the event of a failure preventing extension   expansion or retraction of the piston rod by the hydraulic fluid.   18. Marine propulsion device comprising a group   propulsion (12), a mounting means mounted on a base   and connected to the propulsion unit to allow it   ci to tilt about a tilt axis (42) in the horizontal assembly, as well as to pivot in opposite directions about a control axis (46) in the assembly transverse to the tilt axis, and power amplifying means (68) intended to couple an operating member   of steering (66) to said propulsion group (12) for increased   lie about the steering force applied to the propulsion group   sion by the operating member, characterized in that these power amplifying means comprise a cylinder mounted on the propulsion unit and in a parallel manner and spaced with respect to the tilting axis (42) to tilt together with the group of propulsion around the tilting axis and opposing the axial movement parallel to the tilting axis, a piston mounted sliding to move back and forth in the cylinder and dividing it   cylinder in first and second pressure chambers   opposite zion, a sliding piston rod   a first end of the cylinder and having a first   re end connected to said piston rod and a second end protruding from the cylinder, a control valve having a valve cover fixed to said second   end of the piston rod to move joint-   lying therewith, having an inlet (128) for   designed to be connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a return port intended to be connected to a hydraulic tank (104) and a shutter mounted in said valve casing to move relative to it   between a first and a second position, means   connecting the shutter to said actuator (66) so that it is moved relative to the valve casing in response to a movement of the actuator, means connecting the valve casing to said propulsion group reply   displacement of the valve cover relative to the shutter   erator, a first passageway, formed in the body   valve and the piston rod, putting said first cham-   bre in communication with said inlet orifice and   both said second chamber (76) in communication with said return orifice to put the piston rod in extension and to rotate the propulsion unit in one direction when the shutter is in the first position, and a second passageway formed in the valve cover and in the piston rod, putting the first chamber in communication with the return port and putting the second chamber in 2565 1 96   communication with the intake port to retract the piston rod and rotate the power unit in   the opposite direction when the shutter is in the second posi-   tion. 19. Marine propulsion device according to claim 18, characterized in that the shutter can take a third position and in that the device has a third passageway formed in the valve cover and in the piston rod to put both the first and the   the second pressure chambers in communication with the ori-   inlet and show substantially equal pressure forces on opposite sides of the piston so   prevent the powerplant from pivoting when the shutter   rator is in the third position.   20. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 19, characterized in that said mounting means comprise a support bracket (26) supported from a boat arch (22) and a tilting bracket (24) hingedly connecting said support bracket and the   said propulsion unit (12) for the purpose of downward movement   bearing, the tilting bracket comprising two laterally spaced ears (36,38), and in that said cylinder (70) comprises a part (170) disposed between the ears of the tilting yoke and bearing against them to oppose the axial displacement of said cylinder in parallel to the tilting axis (42).   21. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 20, characterized in that said mounting means comprise a tilting tube (28) extending between said ears of the tilting bracket and supported therefrom to define the tilting axis (42) and in that said part (170) of the cylinder is tubular and   receives said tilting tube with possibility of rotation tion.   22. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 20, characterized in that said means connecting the object   the actuator comprises an axially movable control member (166) extending through the   tilting tube and connected to the shutter.   23. Marine propulsion device according to claim 22, characterized in that the control member is a cable A back and forth (66).   - 24. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 18, characterized in that said shutter (118a) can take a third position and in that the valve cover (116) and the shutter are arranged to prevent communication between both the first and the second chambers with the either inlet (128) or outlet ports (137).   25. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 18, characterized in that it includes means emboi-   tables (172,174) provided on said cylinder part (170) and on said tilting stem ears (36,38)   to ensure the joint angular displacement of said cylinder   dre (70) and the tilting bracket (26) around said tilt axis (42). * 26. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 18, characterized in that the power amplifying means (67) are fully supported on the group of propulsion (12).   27. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 18, characterized in that the shutter (118) and the   valve valve (116) are angular and axial movable   ment relative to each other and the shutter is axially movable along an axis coinciding in general with the pivot axis (42).   28. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 18, characterized in that the shutter comprises first and second support means (156,160) intended to   wear against the valve casing and be mechanically coupled 2565 1 96   4î kill the operating member (66) with the valve cover (116) in response to movement of the operating member in opposite directions in the event of a failure preventing extension   or the retraction of the piston rod by the hydraulic fluid   lique. 29. Marine propulsion device comprising several propulsion groups (12) mounted side by side, means (22,24) for mounting each propulsion group intended to be mounted on a boat and connected to the respective propulsion group to allow tilting movement around a tilting axis (42) and steering movements pivoting in opposite directions about a tilting axis (46) in the assembly transverse to the tilting axis, and amplifying means for power intended to couple an operating member (66) to said propulsion groups to increase the steering force applied to said propulsion groups by the operating member, characterized in that the power amplifying means comprise several hydraulic cylinders (68) comprising each a cylinder, a piston mounted in this cylinder to move back and forth   and a piston rod (86) capable of extension and reduction   traction connected to the piston, means connecting each piston rod to the respective propulsion group to ensure   pivoting movement of the propulsion unit's steering gear   pectif in response to the extension and retraction of the piston rod, control means (114) of each of   said propulsion groups intended to cause selective-   extension and retraction of the piston rod (86)   respective in response to a displacement of the operating member   vre (66), these control means comprising a first element   which is connected to the piston rod and to the pro-   respective drive and which provides a pivoting movement of the power unit's control gear in response to the extension and   upon retraction of the respective piston rod, and a se-   cond movable element with respect to the first element between a first and a second position to bring the rod   respective piston to move in one direction when said second element is in the first position and to bring the rod   respective piston to move in the opposite direction when said second member is in the second position,   means (166) connecting one of said second elements to the organ-   maneuvering to move this second element relative to the first element in response to a movement of the operating member, means (184) mechanically connecting said second elements to each other so that they move   jointly in response to a displacement of the organ of ma-   work, said control means having provisions   inverses with respect to each other so that a displacement   ment of the operating member brings all the rods of pis-   tone to move in a certain direction and that all the said propulsion groups rotate in the same direction around the respective steering axes (46).   30. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 29, characterized in that said means connecting mechanically   only said second elements are a rigid connecting bar (184) having opposite ends (188) connected to said second elements of neighboring propulsion units, in that said first and second elements are axially and angularly movable relative to the other and   in that the longitudinal axes of the second corner elements   coincide with the respective tilting axis (42).   31. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 30, characterized in that the connecting bar (184) comprises means (186,188) making it possible to vary its length in order to vary the convergence or "pinching" or   the divergence or "opening" of propulsion groups   sins. 32. Marine propulsion device characterized in that it comprises several propulsion groups arranged   side by side, means of mounting each group of pro-   drive intended to be mounted on a boat and connected to the respective propulsion group to allow steering movements of this group to pivot in opposite directions around   a steering axis (42), power amplifying means   sance intended to connect an operating member (66) to one of said propulsion groups (12) to increase the steering force applied to this group by the operating member (66), these force amplifying means comprising a jack hydraulic (68) comprising a cylinder, a piston mounted in this cylinder to move back and forth and a piston rod capable of extension and retraction connected to the piston, control means (114) for selectively causing the extension and retraction of the piston rod, these control means comprising first and second elements angularly and axially movable, one   compared to the other, a first of these elements being   tiné to be connected to the operating member to move   axially relative to the other element in response to the displacement   cementing of the operating member (66) and said other element   being connected to said piston rod to move con-   joined with it and linked to said first group of pro-   drive to make it describe steering movements in response to the movement of said other element, and means (192) connecting the propulsion groups to each other so that all the propulsion groups describe jointly   same direction movements in response to displacement cementing of the operating member.   33. Marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion group (12), mounting means intended to be mounted on a boat and connected to the propulsion group to allow tilting movements of this group around a tilt axis (42 ) in the horizontal assembly and steering movements of this group pivoting in opposite directions about a steering axis (46) transverse to the tilting axis, and power amplifying means   fully supported on said mounting means, charac-   characterized in that said power amplifier means   have a hydraulic cylinder with an axis and   as a cylinder, and a piston mounted in said cylinder and dividing it into opposite sides, a first of the components of   v6rin (cylinder and piston) being immobilized according to the di-   rection of the axis (71) of the hydraulic cylinder and the other component   sant 6 being axially movable relative to the first component   health, a control valve assembly comprising a   angularly and axially movable valve casing and casing   in relation to each other, said shutter being axially movable along an axis coinciding in general with the tilting axis (i2), the valve cover being intended to be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure and being hydraulically connected to said opposite sides of the cylinder, the shutter and the valve casing being movable relative to each other to control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the source of this fluid to the cylinder, means connecting one of the valve elements (casing and shutter) with said other cylinder component for the purpose of joint movement, means connected to the other of said valve elements for moving it relative to the first valve element in response to an action   operator, and means connecting the propulsion group   sion to said other cylinder component to provide movement   propulsion unit steering gear in response to the   placement of said other cylinder component as a result of the app-   plication of hydraulic fluid under pressure to the cylinder   under the action of said control valve assembly.   34. Marine propulsion device according to the claim   tion 22, characterized in that said operating member is a hydraulic cylinder.