Trim sensor for outboard drive
AssigneeSanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
InventorNoriyuki Natsume
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A simply-structured trim sensor measures the trim position of an outboard motor. The sensor operates between a pivot pin, which is fixed to a clamping bracket, and a swivel bracket, which rotates about the pivot pin. The sensor is arranged between the clamping and swivel brackets in a position which allows ready access to the sensor. A technician therefore can easily adjustment or repair the sensor without disassembling any portion of the clamping and swivel brackets, and without moving the outboard motor.
Claims20
A tilt and trim apparatus for moving an outboard drive of a watercraft between a raised position and a lowered position, the tilt and trim apparatus comprising a first member attachable to a watercraft and a second member attachable to the outboard drive, the first and second members being interconnected with the second member being rotatable relative to the first member, said second member also supporting the outboard drive such that the outboard drive is rotatable with the second member relative to the first member, and a sensor operating between the first and second members to determine the angular position of the second member and the outboard drive relative to the first member, the sensor being arranged between the first and second members with an exterior portion and positioned to be exposed on the front side of the apparatus with the outboard drive in the lowered position, the sensor including a follower arm and a spring arranged to bias the follower arm to maintain contact with one of the first and second members.
A watercraft having a tilt and trim apparatus for moving an outboard drive of the watercraft between a raised position and a lowered position, the watercraft comprising a tilt and trim system having a first member attached to the watercraft and a second member attached to the outboard drive, the first and second members being interconnected with the second member being rotatable relative to the first member, the second member also supporting the outboard drive such that the outboard drive is rotatable with the second member relative to the first member, and a sensor operating between the first and second members to determine the angular position of the second member and the outboard drive relative to the first member, the sensor being arranged between the first and second members on an exterior surface and positioned to be exposed on the front side of the apparatus with the outboard drive in the lowered position whereby the sensor is accessible from the watercraft, the sensor including a follower arm and a spring arranged to bias the follower arm to maintain contact with one of the first and second members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.