U.S. patent application number 15/398780 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-04 for outboard motor.
The applicant listed for this patent is YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Makoto MIZUTANI.
Application Number | 20180001983 15/398780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57482308 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180001983 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIZUTANI; Makoto |
January 4, 2018 |
OUTBOARD MOTOR
Abstract
An outboard motor includes an outboard motor body, a mount
mounted on a boat body, and a support member that supports the
outboard motor body so as to be steerable with respect to the
mount. The support member includes an upper support that surrounds
a drive shaft and supports the outboard motor body, a lower support
that is spaced below the upper support, surrounds the drive shaft,
and supports the outboard motor body, and a coupler that couples
the upper support to the lower support.
Inventors: |
MIZUTANI; Makoto; (Shizuoka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Iwata-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
57482308 |
Appl. No.: |
15/398780 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H 23/34 20130101;
B63H 20/002 20130101; B63H 20/06 20130101; B63H 20/001 20130101;
B63H 20/12 20130101; B63H 21/21 20130101; B63H 2025/022 20130101;
B63H 23/08 20130101; B63H 20/10 20130101; B63H 21/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63H 20/06 20060101
B63H020/06; B63H 20/10 20060101 B63H020/10; B63H 20/12 20060101
B63H020/12; B63H 20/00 20060101 B63H020/00; B63H 21/32 20060101
B63H021/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 4, 2016 |
JP |
2016-132756 |
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. An outboard motor comprising: an outboard motor body including
an engine and a drive shaft that is coupled to the engine and
transmits power; a mount to be mounted on a boat body; and a
support that supports the outboard motor body so as to be steerable
with respect to the mount; wherein the support includes an upper
support that surrounds the drive shaft and supports the outboard
motor body, a lower support that is spaced below the upper support,
surrounds the drive shaft, and supports the outboard motor body,
and a pair of couplers that couple the upper support to the lower
support and are spaced apart at a predetermined interval in a right
to left direction of the outboard motor; and the upper support and
the lower support do not rotate with the outboard motor body about
a steering axis.
19. The outboard motor according to claim 18, wherein the outboard
motor body includes a cover that covers the drive shaft; and the
pair of couplers couple the upper support to the lower support at a
location outside of the cover.
20. The outboard motor according to claim 18, wherein the support
supports the outboard motor body at a position forward of an
exhaust passage through which exhaust air from the engine
flows.
21. The outboard motor according to claim 18, wherein the outboard
motor body includes a cover that covers the drive shaft and a
housing including a through-hole in which the drive shaft is
located; and the support surrounds the through-hole and supports
the housing.
22. The outboard motor according to claim 21, further comprising a
shift shaft in the through-hole of the housing.
23. The outboard motor according to claim 21, wherein the housing
includes a flow passage through which at least one of exhaust air
from the engine, engine oil, and cooling water flows.
24. The outboard motor according to claim 18, wherein the outboard
motor body includes a cover that covers the drive shaft; and the
support includes a support structure that supports the outboard
motor body and is located inside the cover.
25. The outboard motor according to claim 24, wherein the cover
includes a first cover and a second cover below the first cover;
the upper support includes an upper support that supports the
outboard motor body and is located inside the first cover; and the
lower support includes a lower support that supports the outboard
motor body and is located inside the second cover.
26. The outboard motor according to claim 18, further comprising a
damper between the support and the outboard motor body, and the
support supports the outboard motor body through the damper.
27. The outboard motor according to claim 26, wherein the damper is
annular, and has an inner diameter larger than a diameter of the
drive shaft and an outer diameter smaller than or equal to an inner
diameter of a support hole that supports the outboard motor
body.
28. The outboard motor according to claim 27, wherein the outboard
motor body includes a housing including a boss that protrudes in an
axial direction of the drive shaft; and the support supports the
outboard motor body by the boss being inserted into the support
hole through the damper.
29. The outboard motor according to claim 28, wherein the support
supports the outboard motor body by the boss being located in the
support hole through an annular collar to allow rotation of the
outboard motor body and the damper.
30. The outboard motor according to claim 2918, wherein the support
rotatably supports the outboard motor body about the steering axis;
and the steering axis overlaps with the drive shaft as viewed in an
axial direction of the drive shaft.
31. The outboard motor according to claim 18, further comprising a
trim-tilt mechanism that couples the lower support to the mount and
rotates the outboard motor body in a vertical direction.
32. The outboard motor according to claim 18, further comprising a
trim-tilt mechanism that couples the pair of couplers to the mount
and rotates the outboard motor body in a vertical direction.
33. The outboard motor according to claim 32, wherein a coupling
position of the trim-tilt mechanism with respect to the pair of
couplers is adjustable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Patent Application No.
2016-132756 filed in Japan on Jul. 4, 2016, the entire contents of
which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an outboard motor.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] An outboard motor is known in general. Such an outboard
motor is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-024501,
for example.
[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-024501 discloses an
outboard motor including an outboard motor body including an engine
and a drive shaft that is coupled to the engine and transmits
power, and a bracket that is mounted on a boat body and supports
the outboard motor body such that the outboard motor body is
steerable about a steering shaft. In the outboard motor disclosed
in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-024501, the steering shaft is
arranged at a position spaced forward of the drive shaft.
[0005] In the conventional outboard motor disclosed in Japanese
Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-024501, the steering shaft is arranged at
the position spaced forward of the drive shaft, and hence the
entire length of a boat including the outboard motor is increased.
Furthermore, the center of gravity of the outboard motor is spaced
rearward from the boat body, and hence it is necessary to increase
the flotation or buoyancy of the boat body such that a rear portion
of the boat body does not sink. Thus, the boat body is increased in
size. Therefore, an outboard motor that significantly reduces or
prevents an increase in the size of a boat body on which the
outboard motor is mounted while significantly reducing or
preventing an increase in the entire length of a boat including the
outboard motor is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an
outboard motor that significantly reduces or prevents an increase
in the size of a boat body on which the outboard motor is mounted
while significantly reducing or preventing an increase in the
entire length of a boat including the outboard motor.
[0007] An outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention includes an outboard motor body including an
engine and a drive shaft that is coupled to the engine and
transmits power, a mount mounted on a boat body, and a support
member that supports the outboard motor body so as to be steerable
with respect to the mount, and the support member includes an upper
support that surrounds the drive shaft and supports the outboard
motor body, a lower support that is spaced below the upper support,
surrounds the drive shaft, and supports the outboard motor body,
and a coupler that couples the upper support to the lower
support.
[0008] In an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the support member that steerably supports
the outboard motor body includes the upper support that surrounds
the drive shaft and supports the outboard motor body, the lower
support that is spaced below the upper support, surrounds the drive
shaft, and supports the outboard motor body, and the coupler that
couples the upper support to the lower support. Thus, a steering
axis and the drive shaft are close to each other, and hence an
increase in the entire length of a boat including the outboard
motor is significantly reduced or prevented. Furthermore, the
steering axis and the drive shaft are close to each other, and
hence the center of gravity of the outboard motor is close to the
boat body. Thus, it is not necessary to increase the amount of
float of the boat body. Consequently, an increase in the size of
the boat body is significantly reduced or prevented. In addition,
the upper support and the lower support steerably support the
outboard motor body, and hence friction (frictional resistance)
generated during steering is reduced as compared with the case
where the outboard motor is supported by an entire steering shaft.
Moreover, the upper support and the lower support are coupled to
each other by the coupler, and hence relative displacement of
positions of support of the upper support and the lower support is
significantly reduced or prevented.
[0009] In an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the outboard motor body preferably includes
a cover that covers the drive shaft, and the coupler preferably
couples the upper support to the lower support at a position
outside of the cover. Accordingly, at a position spaced from the
steering axis and outside of the cover, the upper support and the
lower support are coupled to each other by the coupler, and hence
relative displacement of the positions of support of the upper
support and the lower support is significantly reduced or prevented
as compared with the case where the upper support and the lower
support are coupled to each other near the steering axis.
[0010] In an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the coupler preferably includes a pair of
couplers. Accordingly, relative displacement of the positions of
support of the upper support and the lower support is effectively
significantly reduced or prevented by the pair of couplers.
[0011] In an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the support member preferably supports the
outboard motor body at a position forward of an exhaust passage
through which exhaust air from the engine flows. Accordingly, the
exhaust passage that is a space is located in a rear portion of the
outboard motor body, and hence the center of gravity of the
outboard motor body is located forward. Consequently, the center of
gravity of the outboard motor is close to the boat body.
[0012] In an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the outboard motor body preferably includes
a cover that covers the drive shaft and a housing provided with a
through-hole in which the drive shaft is located, and the support
member preferably surrounds the through-hole and supports the
housing. Accordingly, the support member supports the housing
including the through-hole, and hence the support member surrounds
the drive shaft and easily supports the outboard motor body.
[0013] In this case, a shift shaft that changes a shift state is
preferably located in the through-hole of the housing. Accordingly,
the shift shaft is easily positioned using the through-hole through
which the drive shaft passes.
[0014] In the structure in which the outboard motor body includes
the housing, the housing is preferably provided with a flow passage
through which at least one of exhaust air from the engine, engine
oil, and cooling water flows. Accordingly, the flow passage is
integrally provided in the housing supported by the support member,
and hence an increase in the number of components is significantly
reduced or prevented.
[0015] In an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the outboard motor body preferably includes
a cover that covers the drive shaft, and the support member
preferably includes a support that supports the outboard motor
body, and supports the outboard motor body by the support inside
the cover. Accordingly, as compared with the case where the
outboard motor body is supported by a support outside the cover,
the steering axis and the drive shaft are closer to each other, and
hence an increase in the size of the boat body on which the
outboard motor is mounted is further significantly reduced or
prevented while an increase in the entire length of the boat
including the outboard motor is further significantly reduced or
prevented.
[0016] In this case, the cover preferably includes a first cover
and a second cover below the first cover, the upper support
preferably includes an upper support that supports the outboard
motor body, and supports the outboard motor body by the upper
support inside the first cover, and the lower support preferably
includes a lower support that supports the outboard motor body, and
supports the outboard motor body by the lower support inside the
second cover. Accordingly, the outboard motor body is supported by
the upper support inside the first cover while the outboard motor
body is supported by the lower support inside the second cover, and
hence the outboard motor body is supported in a balanced manner at
positions vertically spaced apart while the steering axis and the
drive shaft are close to each other.
[0017] In an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the support member preferably supports the
outboard motor body through a damper. Accordingly, transfer of
vibrations of the outboard motor body to the boat body is
significantly reduced or prevented.
[0018] In this case, the damper is preferably annular, and
preferably has an inner diameter larger than the drive shaft and an
outer diameter smaller than or equal to an inner diameter of a
support hole that supports the outboard motor body. Accordingly,
transfer of vibrations of the outboard motor body to the boat body
is effectively significantly reduced or prevented by the damper
having the inner diameter larger than the drive shaft and the outer
diameter smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the support
hole.
[0019] In the structure in which the support member supports the
outboard motor body through the damper, the outboard motor body
preferably includes a housing including a boss that protrudes in an
axial direction of the drive shaft, and the support member
preferably supports the outboard motor body by fitting or inserting
the boss into the support hole through the damper. Accordingly, the
support member supports the outboard motor body by inserting the
boss provided on the housing of the outboard motor body into the
support hole, and hence the outboard motor body is easily rotated
about the steering axis.
[0020] In this case, the support member preferably supports the
outboard motor body by inserting the boss into the support hole
through a collar that is annular and facilitates rotation of the
outboard motor body and the damper. Accordingly, rotation of the
outboard motor body is facilitated by the collar while transfer of
vibrations of the outboard motor body is significantly reduced or
prevented by the damper, and hence the outboard motor body is more
easily rotated about the steering axis.
[0021] In an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the support member preferably rotatably
supports the outboard motor body about a steering axis, and the
steering axis preferably overlaps with the drive shaft as viewed in
an axial direction of the drive shaft. Accordingly, the steering
axis and the drive shaft are reliably close to each other, and
hence an increase in the size of the boat body on which the
outboard motor is mounted is more effectively significantly reduced
or prevented while an increase in the entire length of the boat
including the outboard motor is more effectively significantly
reduced or prevented.
[0022] An outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention preferably further includes a trim-tilt mechanism
that couples the lower support of the support member to the mount
and rotates the outboard motor body in a vertical direction.
Accordingly, a coupling position of the trim-tilt mechanism with
respect to the boat body is elevated, and hence the drive amount of
the trim-tilt mechanism is reduced when the outboard motor is fully
tilted up. Furthermore, when the outboard motor is fully tilted up,
the coupling position where the trim-tilt mechanism is attached to
the boat body is prevented from being under water.
[0023] An outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention preferably further includes a trim-tilt mechanism
that couples the coupler of the support member to the mount and
rotates the outboard motor body in a vertical direction.
Accordingly, the coupling position of the trim-tilt mechanism with
respect to the boat body is elevated, and hence the drive amount of
the trim-tilt mechanism is reduced when the outboard motor is fully
tilted up. Furthermore, when the outboard motor is fully tilted up,
the coupling position where the trim-tilt mechanism is attached to
the boat body is prevented from being under water.
[0024] In this case, a coupling position of the trim-tilt mechanism
with respect to the coupler of the support member is preferably
adjustable. Accordingly, the coupling position of the trim-tilt
mechanism is adjusted according to the size of the boat body and
the size of the outboard motor such that the trim of the outboard
motor is properly adjusted, and the outboard motor is properly
tilted up.
[0025] The above and other elements, features, steps,
characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become
more apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a boat including
an outboard motor according to first and second preferred
embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view schematically showing the
outboard motor according to the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an upper support of the
outboard motor according to the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing
the upper support or a lower support of the outboard motor
according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the lower support of the
outboard motor according to the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a support member of the
outboard motor according to the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view schematically showing an
outboard motor according to a second preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a lower mount of a trim-tilt
mechanism of the outboard motor according to the second preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are
hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.
First Preferred Embodiment
[0035] The structure of a boat 10 including an outboard motor 100
according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
is now described with reference to FIG. 1. In the figures, arrow
FWD represents the forward movement direction of the boat 10, and
arrow BWD represents the reverse movement direction of the boat 10.
In the figures, arrow R represents the starboard direction of the
boat 10, and arrow L represents the portside direction of the boat
10.
[0036] The boat 10 includes a boat body 11, a steering wheel 12,
and remote controller 13, as shown in FIG. 1. The outboard motor
100 is mounted on the boat 10.
[0037] The steering wheel 12 steers the boat body 11 (turns the
outboard motor 100). Specifically, the steering wheel 12 is
connected to a steering device of the outboard motor 100. The
steering device rotates the outboard motor 100 in a horizontal
direction based on operation of the steering wheel 12.
[0038] The remote controller 13 manipulates the shift and output
(throttle position) of the outboard motor 100. Specifically, the
remote controller 13 is connected to the outboard motor 100. The
output and the shift (forward movement, reverse movement, or
neutral) of an engine 1 of the outboard motor 100 are controlled
based on operation of the remote controller 13.
[0039] The outboard motor 100 is mounted on a rear portion of the
boat body 11, as shown in FIG. 1. The outboard motor 100 includes
an outboard motor body 100a, as shown in FIG. 2. The outboard motor
body 100a includes the engine 1, a power transmission 2, a
propeller 3, a shift actuator 4, an engine cover 5a, an apron 5b,
an upper cover 5c, a lower cover 5d, an upper housing 6, and a
lower housing 7. The outboard motor 100 includes an outboard motor
mount 8 and a trim-tilt mechanism 9. The outboard motor body 100a
is mounted on the boat body 11 to be rotatable about a vertical
axis and a horizontal axis by the outboard motor mount 8. The apron
5b is an example of a "cover" or a "first cover," and the upper
cover 5c is an example of a "cover" or a "second cover."
[0040] The power transmission 2 includes a drive shaft 21, a
gearing 22, and a propeller shaft 23. The shift actuator 4 is
connected to the gearing 22 through a shift shaft 41. The upper
housing 6 includes a boss 61 and a flow passage 62, as shown in
FIG. 3. The lower housing 7 includes a boss 71 and a flow passage
72, as shown in FIG. 5. The flow passages 62 and 72 are examples of
an "exhaust passage."
[0041] The outboard motor mount 8 includes a pair of clamp brackets
81, an upper support 82, a trim-tilt shaft 83, a pair of couplers
84, and a lower support 85, as shown in FIG. 2. The outboard motor
mount 8 includes a support member 8a including the upper support
82, the couplers 84, and the lower support 85. The trim-tilt
mechanism 9 includes a cylinder 91, an upper mount 92, and a lower
mount 93. The clamp brackets 81 are examples of a "mount."
[0042] The engine 1 is located in an upper portion of the outboard
motor 100, and includes an internal combustion driven by explosive
combustion of gasoline, light oil, or the like. The engine 1 is
covered by the engine cover 5a.
[0043] The drive shaft 21 is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine
1 so as to transmit the power of the engine 1. The drive shaft 21
extends in a vertical direction. The drive shaft 21 is rotatably
coupled to the engine 1. The drive shaft 21 is covered by the apron
5b, the upper cover 5c, and the lower cover 5d. In other words, an
upper portion of the drive shaft 21 is covered by the apron 5b, an
intermediate portion of the drive shaft 21 is covered by the upper
cover 5c, and a lower portion of the drive shaft 21 is covered by
the lower cover 5d.
[0044] The gearing 22 is located in a lower portion of the outboard
motor 100. The gearing 22 decreases the rotational speed of the
drive shaft 21 and transmits the decreased rotational speed to the
propeller shaft 23. In other words, the gearing 22 transmits the
drive force of the drive shaft 21 that rotates about a rotation
axis extending in the vertical direction to the propeller shaft 23
that rotates about a rotation axis extending in a front to back
direction. Specifically, the gearing 22 includes a pinion gear, a
forward movement bevel gear, a reverse movement bevel gear, and a
dog clutch. The pinion gear is mounted on a lower end of the drive
shaft 21. The forward movement bevel gear and the reverse movement
bevel gear are provided on the propeller shaft 23 to hold the
pinion gear therebetween. The pinion gear meshes with the forward
movement bevel gear and the reverse movement bevel gear. The
gearing 22 switches between a state where the dog clutch that
rotates integrally with the propeller shaft 23 engages with the
forward movement bevel gear and a state where the dog clutch
engages with the reverse movement bevel gear so as to switch the
shift position (the rotation direction (the forward movement
direction and the reverse movement direction) of the propeller
shaft 23). The gearing 22 switches to a state where the dog clutch
engages with neither the forward movement bevel gear nor the
reverse movement bevel gear so as to change the shift position to
neutral. The gearing 22 and the propeller shaft 23 are covered by
the lower cover 5d.
[0045] The propeller 3 is connected to the propeller shaft 23. The
propeller 3 is driven to rotate about the rotation axis extending
in the front to back direction. The propeller 3 rotates in water to
generate thrust force in an axial direction. The propeller 3 moves
the boat body 11 forward or reversely according to the rotation
direction.
[0046] The shift actuator 4 switches the shift state of the
outboard motor 100 based on the user's operation. Specifically, the
shift actuator 4 changes the shift position to any of forward
movement, reverse movement, and neutral. More specifically, the
shift actuator 4 changes the meshing of the gearing 22 through the
shift shaft 41 to switch the shift state.
[0047] On a front portion of the engine cover 5a, a bar 101 is
mounted. The bar 101 steers the outboard motor body 100a. In other
words, the bar 101 is moved right and left by the steering device
such that the outboard motor body 100a is rotated about a steering
axis A (see FIGS. 3 and 5).
[0048] The apron 5b is located below the engine cover 5a. In other
words, the apron 5b is located below the engine 1. The upper cover
5c is located below the apron 5b. The lower cover 5d is located
below the upper cover 5c.
[0049] The upper housing 6 is located below the engine 1 and
supports the engine 1, as shown in FIG. 2. The upper housing 6 is
covered by the engine cover 5a and the apron 5b. The upper housing
6 is supported by the upper support 82. Specifically, the upper
housing 6 is supported by the upper support 82 so as to be
rotatable about the steering axis A, as shown in FIG. 3. The boss
61 of the upper housing 6 protrudes in the axial direction of the
drive shaft 21. The boss 61 is located in a front portion of the
upper housing 6. The boss 61 is annular. A through-hole 611 is
provided inside the boss 61. The drive shaft 21 is located in the
through-hole 611. The shift shaft 41 is located in the through-hole
611. The shift shaft 41 is forward of the drive shaft 21. The flow
passage 62 is located in a rear portion of the upper housing 6. At
least one of exhaust air from the engine 1, engine oil, and cooling
water flows through the flow passage 62. The flow passage 62 may be
provided with an oil pan in which the engine oil is
accumulated.
[0050] The lower housing 7 is located below the upper housing 6, as
shown in FIG. 2. The lower housing 7 is covered by the upper cover
5c. The lower housing 7 is supported by the lower support 85.
Specifically, the lower housing 7 is supported by the lower support
85 so as to be rotatable about the steering axis A, as shown in
FIG. 5. The boss 71 of the lower housing 7 protrudes in the axial
direction of the drive shaft 21. The boss 71 is located in a front
portion of the lower housing 7. The boss 71 is annular. A
through-hole 711 is provided inside the boss 71. The drive shaft 21
is located in the through-hole 711. The shift shaft 41 is located
in the through-hole 711. The shift shaft 41 is located forward of
the drive shaft 21. The flow passage 72 is located in a rear
portion of the lower housing 7. At least one of exhaust air from
the engine 1, engine oil, and cooling water flows through the flow
passage 72. The flow passage 72 may be provided with an oil pan in
which the engine oil accumulates.
[0051] The outboard motor mount 8 is mounted on the boat body 11 so
as to support the outboard motor body 100a. Specifically, the pair
of clamp brackets 81 is fixed to the rear portion of the boat body
11. The outboard motor body 100a is supported by the support member
8a so as to be steerable with respect to the clamp brackets 81.
More specifically, the support member 8a is supported by the clamp
brackets 81 so as to be rotatable about the trim-tilt shaft 83. The
upper support 82 of the support member 8a is rotatably coupled to
the clamp brackets 81 through the trim-tilt shaft 83. The upper
support 82 is coupled to the lower support 85 through the couplers
84. The outboard motor body 100a is supported by the upper support
82 and the lower support 85 so as to be steerable about the
steering axis A and rotatable about the trim-tilt shaft 83.
[0052] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the support member 8a surrounds the drive shaft 21 and
supports the outboard motor body 100a, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.
In other words, the upper support 82 surrounds the drive shaft 21
and supports the outboard motor body 100a. The lower support 85
spaced below the upper support 82 surrounds the drive shaft 21 and
supports the outboard motor body 100a. Thus, the support member 8a
supports the outboard motor body 100a such that the outboard motor
body 100a is rotatable about the steering axis A. The steering axis
A overlaps with the drive shaft 21 as viewed in the axial direction
of the drive shaft 21. According to the first preferred embodiment
of the present invention, the steering axis A coincides with a
portion of the drive shaft 21 forward of the center of the drive
shaft 21. The support member 8a supports the outboard motor body
100a at a position forward of the flow passages 62 and 72 through
which exhaust air from the engine 1 flows.
[0053] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the upper support 82 includes an upper support 82a, as
shown in FIG. 3. The upper support 82a supports the outboard motor
body 100a. Specifically, the upper support 82a includes a circular
support hole 821. The upper support 82 supports the upper housing 6
(outboard motor body 100a) by inserting the boss 61 of the upper
housing 6 into the support hole 821. The upper support 82 supports
the outboard motor body 100a by the upper support 82a inside the
apron 5b.
[0054] The upper support 82 surrounds the through-hole 611 of the
boss 61 and supports the upper housing 6. The upper support 82
supports the outboard motor body 100a through an annular damper
822. Specifically, the upper support 82 supports the outboard motor
body 100a by inserting the boss 61 into the support hole 821 of the
upper support 82a through an annular collar 823 and the annular
damper 822, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the inner
diameters of the annular damper 822 and the annular collar 823 are
larger than the outer diameter of the drive shaft 21. The outer
diameters of the annular damper 822 and the annular collar 823 are
smaller than the inner width of the apron 5b. The outer diameters
of the annular damper 822 and the annular collar 823 are smaller
than or equal to the inner diameter of the support hole 821. The
damper 822 is located outside the collar 823. The boss 61 is
located inside the collar 823. The collar 823 facilitates rotation
of the outboard motor body 100a. In other words, the collar 823 and
the boss 61 easily slide over each other, and hence the upper
housing 6 (outboard motor body 100a) easily rotates with respect to
the upper support 82 (support member 8a). In FIGS. 3 and 4, the
upper support 82 and the upper housing 6 are shown in a simplified
manner in order to make it easy to understand the structure.
[0055] The trim-tilt shaft 83 supports the support member 8a such
that the support member 8a is rotatable in the vertical direction.
The trim-tilt shaft 83 is supported by the pair of clamp brackets
81, as shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the trim-tilt shaft 83 is
held between the pair of clamp brackets 81 through a pair of
dampers 831 and is supported by the pair of clamp brackets 81, as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0056] The couplers 84 couple the upper support 82 to the lower
support 85, as shown in FIG. 6. The pair of couplers 84 are spaced
apart at a predetermined interval in a right to left direction. The
couplers 84 couple the upper support 82 to the lower support 85 at
locations spaced outward from the apron 5b and the upper cover 5c.
Specifically, the couplers 84 couple the upper support 82 to the
lower support 85 at locations spaced forward of the apron 5b and
the upper cover 5c. The couplers 84 are preferably made of a
material containing carbon fiber, for example.
[0057] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the lower support 85 includes a lower support 85a, as
shown in FIG. 5. The lower support 85a supports the outboard motor
body 100a. Specifically, the lower support 85a includes a circular
support hole 851. The lower support 85 supports the lower housing 7
(outboard motor body 100a) by inserting the boss 71 of the lower
housing 7 into the support hole 851. The lower support 85 supports
the outboard motor body 100a by the lower support 85a inside the
upper cover 5c.
[0058] The lower support 85 surrounds the through-hole 711 of the
boss 71 and supports the lower housing 7. The lower support 85
supports the outboard motor body 100a through an annular damper
852. Specifically, the lower support 85 supports the outboard motor
body 100a by inserting the boss 71 into the support hole 851 of the
lower support 85a through an annular collar 853 and the annular
damper 852, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner
diameters of the annular damper 852 and the annular collar 853 are
larger than the outer diameter of the drive shaft 21. The outer
diameters of the annular damper 852 and the annular collar 853 are
smaller than the inner width of the upper cover 5c. The outer
diameters of the annular damper 852 and the annular collar 853 are
smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the support hole
851. The damper 852 is located outside the collar 853. The boss 71
is located inside the collar 853. The collar 853 facilitates
rotation of the outboard motor body 100a. In other words, the
collar 853 and the boss 71 easily slide over each other, and hence
the lower housing 7 (outboard motor body 100a) easily rotates with
respect to the lower support 85 (support member 8a). In FIGS. 4 and
5, the lower support 85 and the lower housing 7 are shown in a
simplified manner in order to make it easy to understand the
structure.
[0059] The trim-tilt mechanism 9 changes the angle of the outboard
motor body 100a with respect to the boat body 11, as shown in FIG.
2. Specifically, the trim-tilt mechanism 9 rotates the outboard
motor body 100a about the trim-tilt shaft 83. The upper mount 92 of
the trim-tilt mechanism 9 is coupled to the clamp brackets 81.
Specifically, the upper mount 92 is connected to a connector 921
held between the pair of clamp brackets 81 and coupled to the pair
of clamp brackets 81, as shown in FIG. 6. The upper mount 92 is
rotatably connected to the connector 921. The lower mount 93 of the
trim-tilt mechanism 9 is coupled to the lower support 85.
Specifically, the lower mount 93 is connected to a connector 931
coupled to the lower support 85. The lower mount 93 is rotatably
connected to the connector 931.
[0060] The trim-tilt mechanism 9 adjusts the angle of the outboard
motor body 100a by extension and retraction of the cylinder 91.
Specifically, the cylinder 91 retracts such that the outboard motor
body 100a is rotated clockwise when the outboard motor body 100a is
viewed from the left. The cylinder 91 extends such that the
outboard motor body 100a is rotated counterclockwise when the
outboard motor body 100a is viewed from the left. The cylinder 91
is hydraulically driven, for example.
[0061] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the following advantageous effects are obtained.
[0062] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the support member 8a that steerably supports the
outboard motor body 100a includes the upper support 82 that
surrounds the drive shaft 21 and supports the outboard motor body
100a, the lower support 85 that is spaced below the upper support
82, surrounds the drive shaft 21, and supports the outboard motor
body 100a, and the couplers 84 that couple the upper support 82 to
the lower support 85. Thus, the steering axis A and the drive shaft
21 are close to each other, and hence an increase in the entire
length of the boat 10 including the outboard motor 100 is
significantly reduced or prevented. Furthermore, the steering axis
A and the drive shaft 21 are close to each other, and hence the
center of gravity of the outboard motor 100 is close to the boat
body 11. Thus, it is not necessary to increase the flotation of the
boat body 11. Consequently, an increase in the size of the boat
body 11 is significantly reduced or prevented. In addition, the
upper support 82 and the lower support 85 steerably support the
outboard motor body 100a, and hence friction (frictional
resistance) generated during steering is reduced as compared with
the case where the outboard motor is supported by an entire
steering shaft. Moreover, the upper support 82 and the lower
support 85 are coupled to each other by the couplers 84, and hence
relative displacement of the support positions of the upper support
82 and the lower support 85 is significantly reduced or
prevented.
[0063] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the couplers 84 couple the upper support 82 to the lower
support 85 at locations spaced outward from the apron 5b and the
upper cover 5c. Thus, at the locations spaced from the steering
axis A outward from the apron 5b and the upper cover 5c, the upper
support 82 and the lower support 85 are coupled to each other by
the couplers 84, and hence relative displacement of the support
positions of the upper support 82 and the lower support 85 is
significantly reduced or prevented as compared with the case where
the upper support 82 and the lower support 85 are coupled to each
other near the steering axis A.
[0064] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the pair of couplers 84 is provided. Thus, relative
displacement of the support positions of the upper support 82 and
the lower support 85 is effectively significantly reduced or
prevented by the pair of couplers 84.
[0065] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the support member 8a supports the outboard motor body
100a at the position forward of the flow passages 62 and 72 through
which exhaust air from the engine 1 flows. Thus, spaces for the
flow passages 62 and 72 are located in a rear portion of the
outboard motor body 100a, and hence the center of gravity of the
outboard motor body 100a is located farther forward. Consequently,
the center of gravity of the outboard motor 100 is close to the
boat body 11.
[0066] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the outboard motor body 100a includes the apron 5b and
the upper cover 5c that cover the drive shaft 21, and the housing 6
(7) inside the apron 5b and the upper cover 5c that are provided
with the through-hole 611 (711) accommodating the drive shaft 21,
and the support member 8a surrounds the through-hole 611 (711) and
supports the housing 6 (7). Thus, the support member 8a supports
the housing 6 (7) including the through-hole 611 (711), and hence
the support member 8a surrounds the drive shaft 21 and easily
supports the outboard motor body 100a.
[0067] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the shift shaft 41 that changes the shift state (changes
the meshing of the gearing 22) is located in the through-hole 611
(711) of the housing 6 (7). Thus, the shift shaft 41 is easily
positioned using the through-hole 611 (711) through which the drive
shaft 21 passes.
[0068] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the flow passage 62 (72) through which at least one of
exhaust air from the engine 1, engine oil, and cooling water flows
is provided in the housing 6 (7). Thus, the flow passage 62 (72) is
integrally provided in the housing 6 (7) supported by the support
member 8a, and hence an increase in the number of components is
significantly reduced or prevented.
[0069] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the support member 8a supports the outboard motor body
100a by the upper support 82a and the lower support 85a inside the
apron 5b and the upper cover 5c. Thus, as compared with the case
where the outboard motor body 100a is supported by support
structures outside the apron 5b and the upper cover 5c, the
steering axis A and the drive shaft 21 are closer to each other,
and hence an increase in the size of the boat body 11 on which the
outboard motor 100 is mounted is further significantly reduced or
prevented while an increase in the entire length of the boat 10
including the outboard motor 100 is further significantly reduced
or prevented.
[0070] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the upper support 82 supports the outboard motor body
100a by the upper support 82a inside the apron 5b, and the lower
support 85 supports the outboard motor body 100a by the lower
support 85a inside the upper cover 5c. Thus, the outboard motor
body 100a is supported by the upper support 82a inside the apron 5b
while the outboard motor body 100a is supported by the lower
support 85a inside the upper cover 5c, and hence the outboard motor
body 100a is supported in a balanced manner at positions vertically
spaced apart while the steering axis A and the drive shaft 21 are
close to each other.
[0071] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the support member 8a supports the outboard motor body
100a through the damper 822 (852). Thus, the transfer of vibrations
of the outboard motor body 100a to the boat body 11 is
significantly reduced or prevented.
[0072] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the damper 822 (852) is annular, and has an inner
diameter larger than the drive shaft 21 and an outer diameter
smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the support hole 821
(851) as the upper support 82a (lower support 85a) that supports
the outboard motor body 100a. Thus, the transfer of vibrations of
the outboard motor body 100a to the boat body 11 is effectively
significantly reduced or prevented by the damper 822 (852) with the
inner diameter larger than the drive shaft 21 and the outer
diameter smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the support
hole 821 (851).
[0073] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the support member 8a supports the outboard motor body
100a by inserting the boss 61 (71) of the housing 6 (7) into the
support hole 821 (851) through the damper 822 (852). Thus, the
support member 8a supports the outboard motor body 100a by
inserting the boss 61 (71) provided on the housing 6 (7) of the
outboard motor body 100a into the support hole 821 (851), and hence
the outboard motor body 100a is easily rotated about the steering
axis A.
[0074] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the support member 8a supports the outboard motor body
100a by inserting the boss 61 (71) into the support hole 821 (851)
through the collar 823 (853) that is annular and facilitates
rotation of the outboard motor body 100a and the damper 822 (852).
Thus, rotation of the outboard motor body 100a is facilitated by
the collar 823 (853) while the transfer of vibrations of the
outboard motor body 100a is significantly reduced or prevented by
the damper 822 (852), and hence the outboard motor body 100a is
more easily rotated about the steering axis A.
[0075] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the steering axis A overlaps with the drive shaft 21 as
viewed in the axial direction of the drive shaft 21. Thus, the
steering axis A and the drive shaft 21 are reliably close to each
other, and hence an increase in the size of the boat body 11 on
which the outboard motor 100 is mounted is more effectively
significantly reduced or prevented while an increase in the entire
length of the boat 10 including the outboard motor 100 is more
effectively significantly reduced or prevented.
[0076] According to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the outboard motor 100 includes the trim-tilt mechanism
9 that couples the lower support 85a of the support member 8a to
the clamp brackets 81 and rotates the outboard motor body 100a in
the vertical direction. Thus, the coupling position of the
trim-tilt mechanism 9 with respect to the boat body 11 is elevated,
and hence the drive amount of the trim-tilt mechanism 9 (the amount
of extension of the cylinder 91) is reduced when the outboard motor
100 is fully tilted up. Furthermore, when the outboard motor 100 is
fully tilted up, the coupling position where the trim-tilt
mechanism 9 is attached to the boat body 11 is prevented from being
under water.
Second Preferred Embodiment
[0077] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is
now described with reference to FIG. 7. In the second preferred
embodiment, a trim-tilt mechanism 9a is coupled to couplers 84 and
a pair of clamp brackets 81, unlike the first preferred embodiment
in which the trim-tilt mechanism 9 is coupled to the lower support
85a of the support member 8a and the clamp brackets 81.
[0078] An outboard motor 200 according to the second preferred
embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a rear portion of
a boat body 11, as shown in FIG. 1. The outboard motor 200 includes
an outboard motor body 100a, as shown in FIG. 7. The outboard motor
body 100a includes an engine 1, a power transmission 2, a propeller
3, a shift actuator 4, an engine cover 5a, an apron 5b, an upper
cover 5c, a lower cover 5d, an upper housing 6, and a lower housing
7. The outboard motor 200 includes an outboard motor mount 8 and
the trim-tilt mechanism 9a. The outboard motor body 100a is mounted
on the boat body 11 to be rotatable about a vertical axis and a
horizontal axis by the outboard motor mount 8. The apron 5b is an
example of a "cover" or a "first cover," and the upper cover 5c is
an example of a "cover" or a "second cover."
[0079] According to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a support member 8a surrounds a drive shaft 21 and
supports the outboard motor body 100a, as shown in FIG. 7. In other
words, an upper support 82 surrounds the drive shaft 21 and
supports the outboard motor body 100a. A lower support 85 spaced
below the upper support 82 surrounds the drive shaft 21 and
supports the outboard motor body 100a. Thus, the support member 8a
supports the outboard motor body 100a such that the outboard motor
body 100a is rotatable about a steering axis A.
[0080] According to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the trim-tilt mechanism 9a changes the angle of the
outboard motor body 100a with respect to the boat body 11.
Specifically, the trim-tilt mechanism 9a rotates the outboard motor
body 100a about a trim-tilt shaft 83. An upper mount 92 of the
trim-tilt mechanism 9a is coupled to the clamp brackets 81.
Specifically, the upper mount 92 is connected to a connector 921
held between the pair of clamp brackets 81 and coupled to the pair
of clamp brackets 81. The upper mount 92 is rotatably connected to
the connector 921. A lower mount 94 of the trim-tilt mechanism 9a
is coupled to the couplers 84. Specifically, the lower mount 94 is
connected to a connector 941 coupled to the couplers 84. The lower
mount 94 is rotatably connected to the connector 941.
[0081] The trim-tilt mechanism 9a is connected to the couplers 84
of the support member 8a such that its coupling position with
respect to the couplers 84 is adjustable. Specifically, the lower
mount 94 of the trim-tilt mechanism 9a is fixed such that its
coupling position is adjustable in a vertical direction with
respect to the couplers 84. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower mount 94
is fastened with, for example, threaded fasteners 942 and is fixed
to the couplers 84. In other words, the fastener members 942 are
loosened such that the lower mount 94 is slidable with respect to
the couplers 84.
[0082] The remaining structure of the second preferred embodiment
is preferably similar to that of the above first preferred
embodiment.
[0083] According to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the following advantageous effects are obtained.
[0084] According to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the support member 8a that steerably supports the
outboard motor body 100a includes the upper support 82 that
surrounds the drive shaft 21 and supports the outboard motor body
100a, the lower support 85 that is spaced below the upper support
82, surrounds the drive shaft 21, and supports the outboard motor
body 100a, and the couplers 84 that couple the upper support 82 to
the lower support 85, similarly to the first preferred embodiment.
Thus, an increase in the entire length of a boat 10 including the
outboard motor 200 is significantly reduced or prevented, and an
increase in the size of the boat body 11 is significantly reduced
or prevented.
[0085] According to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the outboard motor 200 includes the trim-tilt mechanism
9a that couples the couplers 84 of the support member 8a to the
clamp brackets 81 and rotates the outboard motor body 100a in the
vertical direction. Thus, the coupling position of the trim-tilt
mechanism 9a with respect to the boat body 11 is elevated, and
hence the drive amount of the trim-tilt mechanism 9a (the amount of
extension of a cylinder 91) is reduced when the outboard motor 200
is fully tilted up. Furthermore, when the outboard motor 200 is
fully tilted up, the coupling position where the trim-tilt
mechanism 9a is attached to the boat body 11 is prevented from
being under water.
[0086] According to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the coupling position of the trim-tilt mechanism 9a with
respect to the couplers 84 of the support member 8a is adjustable.
Thus, the coupling position of the trim-tilt mechanism 9a is
adjusted according to the size of the boat body 11 and the size of
the outboard motor 200 such that the trim of the outboard motor 200
is properly adjusted, and the outboard motor 200 is properly tilted
up.
[0087] The remaining advantageous effects of the second preferred
embodiment are similar to those of the above first preferred
embodiment.
[0088] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described
above are illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The
extent of the present invention is not defined by the above
description of the preferred embodiments but by the scope of
claims, and all modifications within the meaning and range
equivalent to the scope of claims are further included.
[0089] For example, while a single outboard motor is preferably
provided in the boat in each of the first and second preferred
embodiments described above, the present invention is not
restricted to this. According to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, multiple outboard motors may alternatively be
provided in the boat.
[0090] While the steering axis preferably overlaps with the drive
shaft as viewed in the axial direction of the drive shaft in each
of the first and second preferred embodiments described above, the
present invention is not restricted to this. The steering axis may
not overlap with the drive shaft as viewed in the axial direction
of the drive shaft. For example, the steering axis and the drive
shaft may be close to each other inside the support.
[0091] While the pair of couplers is preferably provided in each of
the first and second preferred embodiments described above, the
present invention is not restricted to this. According to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, one coupler may
alternatively be provided, or three or more couplers may
alternatively be provided.
[0092] While the couplers are preferably made of a material
containing carbon fiber in each of the first and second preferred
embodiments described above, the present invention is not
restricted to this. According to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the couplers may alternatively be made of metal.
For example, the couplers may be made of a material containing
metal such as aluminum or iron.
[0093] While the collar is preferably provided inside the damper in
each of the first and second preferred embodiments described above,
the present invention is not restricted to this. According to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collar may
alternatively be provided outside the damper. Furthermore, the
damper and the collar may alternatively be integral and unitary
with each other.
[0094] While the shift shaft is preferably located in the
through-hole of the housing in each of the first and second
preferred embodiments described above, the present invention is not
restricted to this. According to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the shift shaft may alternatively be located
outside the through-hole of the housing. For example, the shift
shaft may be located outside the cover.
[0095] While the apron is preferably used as the cover or the first
cover in each of the first and second preferred embodiments
described above, the present invention is not restricted to this.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
cover or the first cover may alternatively be a cover other than
the apron. For example, the cover or the first cover may be a
housing that covers the drive shaft.
[0096] While the upper cover is preferably used as the cover or the
second cover in each of the first and second preferred embodiments
described above, the present invention is not restricted to this.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
cover or the second cover may alternatively be a cover other than
the upper cover. For example, the cover or the second cover may be
a housing that covers the drive shaft.
[0097] While the trim-tilt mechanism preferably couples the boat
body to the outboard motor body in a state where the couplers of
the boat body are above and the coupler(s) of the outboard motor
body is below in each of the first and second preferred embodiments
described above, the present invention is not restricted to this.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
trim-tilt mechanism may alternatively couple the boat body to the
outboard motor body in a state where the couplers of the boat body
are below and the coupler(s) of the outboard motor body is
above.
[0098] While the trim-tilt mechanism is preferably hydraulically
driven in each of the first and second preferred embodiments
described above, the present invention is not restricted to this.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
trim-tilt mechanism may alternatively be driven other than
hydraulically. The trim-tilt mechanism may be electrically driven,
for example.
[0099] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described above, it is to be understood that variations
and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be
determined solely by the following claims.
* * * * *