Gondola propulsion unit

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pod propulsion unit. A pod propulsion unit 1 is proposed comprising: a housing (2); a support arm (3); a propeller shaft (5) rotatably supported within the housing by at least a first bearing arrangement (6) having a first bearing housing (7); a first fastening arrangement (11) for fastening the first bearing housing (7) to the housing (2). The first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) are spaced apart from each other by a first electrically insulating arrangement (13) arranged between the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) and configured to electrically insulate the first bearing housing (7) from the housing (2). The first electrically insulating arrangement (13) comprises a first ceramic insulator (42) and the first ceramic insulator (42) contacts the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) so as to space the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) apart from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pod propulsion unit as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] The bearing assembly that rotatably supports the propeller shaft within the podded propulsion unit housing is typically electrically insulated from the housing to prevent current flow. One known method involves placing an epoxy resin layer, such as epoxy-reinforced fiberglass, between the bearing housing of the bearing assembly and the frame assembly of the podded propulsion unit housing. The bearing housing is attached to this frame assembly to space and electrically insulate it from the frame assembly. A thick epoxy resin layer is required to properly insulate the bearing housing from the frame assembly of the podded propulsion unit housing. This increases mechanical risk because the epoxy resin layer is much softer than the housing and bearing housing, which are typically made of steel. Epoxy resin also absorbs moisture, which negatively impacts its electrical insulating properties. Purpose

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pod propulsion unit that has an electrical insulation device between the bearing housing of the bearing assembly and the housing of the pod propulsion unit. This electrical insulation device is capable of electrically insulating the bearing housing of the bearing assembly from the housing of the pod propulsion unit and is mechanically robust. Brief description

[0004] The pod propulsion unit is characterized by the definition in independent claim 1.

[0005] Preferred embodiments of the pod propulsion unit are defined in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The pod propulsion unit will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which...

[0007] Figure 1 The pod propulsion unit is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a detailed view of the first embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a detailed view of the second embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0010] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of line AA in the middle.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a detailed view of the third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a detailed view of the fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a detailed view of the fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a detailed view of the sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a detailed view of the seventh embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a detailed view of the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 12 and Figure 13 Detailed view of the ninth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit at the DD position.

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Detailed views of the ninth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit shown at point BB, and

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Detailed view of the ninth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit shown at CC. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following will describe the pod propulsion unit 1 and some variations and embodiments thereof in more detail.

[0021] The pod propulsion unit 1 includes a shell 2.

[0022] The pod propulsion unit 1 includes a support arm 3 which is attached to the housing 2 and configured to secure the housing 2 to the hull 4 of the vessel.

[0023] The pod propulsion unit 1 includes a propeller shaft 5.

[0024] The propeller shaft 5 is rotatably supported within the housing 2 by at least a first bearing assembly 6 having a first bearing housing 7 and by at least a second bearing assembly 9 having a second bearing housing 10.

[0025] The pod propulsion unit 1 includes a first fastening device 11 for fastening the first bearing housing 7 to the housing 2.

[0026] The first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 are spaced apart from each other by a first electrical insulation device 13, which is arranged between the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 and is configured to electrically insulate the first bearing housing 7 from the housing 2.

[0027] The pod propulsion unit 1 may include a second fastening device 40 for fastening the second bearing housing 10 to the housing 2, such as a second frame device (not shown) for fastening to the housing 2. Alternatively, the second bearing housing 10 may be an integral part of the housing 2.

[0028] The pod propulsion unit 1 includes a propeller 14 which is attached to a propeller shaft 5.

[0029] The first bearing housing 7 has a first hole 15 aligned with the second hole 16 in the housing 2 to form an aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16. Aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16 here means that the first hole 15 does not need to be coaxial with the second hole 16 or even perfectly aligned.

[0030] The first fastening device 11 includes a first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16.

[0031] The first electrical insulation device 13 includes a first ceramic insulator 42.

[0032] The first ceramic insulator 42 contacts the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2, so as to space the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 apart from each other.

[0033] At least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 are preferably, but not necessarily, such as Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the embodiment, it takes the form of a first ceramic washer 18, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16.

[0034] If at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 are in the form of first ceramic washers 18, which are penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fasteners 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16, then the cross-section of the first ceramic washer 18 (such as the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical surface) can be larger than the outer diameter of the first elongated fasteners 17 of the first fastening device 11 at the first ceramic washer 18. An electrically insulating air gap (not indicated by reference numerals) is provided between the first ceramic washer 18 and the first elongated fasteners 17 at the first ceramic washer 18.

[0035] The first bearing housing 7 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with a first flange portion 8, as in the embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown in the figure, and a first hole 15 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided in the first flange portion 8. The first flange portion 8 may be in the form of a separate portion fastened to the first bearing housing 7. The first flange portion 8 may also be in the form of a portion integrally formed with the first bearing housing 7.

[0036] The housing 2 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with a first frame device 12, as in the embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown in the figure, and the second hole 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided in the first frame device 12. The first frame device 12 may be in the form of a separate part fastened to the housing 2. Alternatively, the first frame device 12 may be in the form of a part integrally formed with the housing 2.

[0037] If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, and a first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion, and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame assembly 12, and a second hole 16 is provided in the first frame assembly, then the first hole 15 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 is aligned with the second hole 16 in the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 to form the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16. In this case, a first elongated fastener 17 is arranged in the aligned first hole 15 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and in the second hole 16 in the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2, and a first ceramic insulator 42 contacts the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 to space the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 apart from each other to electrically insulate the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 from the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2.

[0038] The first fastening device 11 preferably, but not necessarily, includes a pressing device 27 configured to cooperate with a first elongated fastener 17 to press the first bearing housing 7 and housing 2 toward each other, such that a first ceramic insulator 42 contacting the first bearing housing 7 and housing 2 is pressed between the first bearing housing 7 and housing 2. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8 in which a first hole 15 is provided, and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame device 12 in which a second hole 16 is provided, then the pressing device 27 is configured to cooperate with the first elongated fastener 17 to press the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame device 12 of the housing 2 toward each other, such that the first flange portion 8 contacting the first bearing housing 7 and the first ceramic insulator 42 contacting the first frame device 12 of the housing 2 are pressed between the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame device 12 of the housing 2.

[0039] The first ceramic insulator 42 may be made, for example, at least in part, of at least one of alumina and zirconium oxide.

[0040] The number of the first elongated fasteners 17 and the number of the first ceramic insulators 42 (which may be the first ceramic washer 18) are preferably, but not necessarily, between 10 and 30.

[0041] If the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, then the first electrical insulation device 13 preferably, but not necessarily, as in the embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, includes a second ceramic washer 23, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16. The second ceramic washer 23 contacts the first bearing housing 7 and the pressing device 27 to space the first bearing housing 7 and the pressing device 27 apart from each other, and to electrically insulate the first bearing housing 7 and the pressing device 27 from each other. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8 in which the first hole 15 is provided, then the second ceramic washer 23 contacts the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the pressing device 27 to space the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the pressing device 27 apart from each other, and to electrically insulate the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the pressing device 27 from each other. The second ceramic gasket 23 may be made, for example, at least in part, of at least one of alumina and zirconium oxide.

[0042] The cross-section of the second ceramic washer 23 (such as the inner diameter of the inner column surface) may be larger than the cross-section of the first elongated fastener 17 of the first fastening device 11 at the second ceramic washer 23 (such as its outer diameter). An electrically insulating air gap (not indicated by reference numerals) is provided between the second ceramic washer 23 and the first elongated fastener 17 at the second ceramic washer 23.

[0043] If the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, then the first electrical insulation device 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, such as Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 9 The seventh embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, a third ceramic washer 28 is included, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16. The third ceramic washer 28 contacts the housing 2 and the pressing device 27 to space the housing 2 and the pressing device 27 apart from each other and to electrically insulate them from each other. If the housing 2 is provided with a first frame assembly 12, in which the second hole 16 is provided, the third ceramic washer 28 contacts the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 and the pressing device 27 to space the first frame assembly 12 and the pressing device 27 apart from each other and to electrically insulate them from each other. The third ceramic washer 28 may be made, for example, at least partially of at least one of alumina and zirconium oxide.

[0044] The cross-section of the third ceramic washer 28 (such as the inner diameter of the inner column surface) may be larger than the cross-section of the first elongated fastener 17 of the first fastening device 11 at the third ceramic washer 28 (such as its outer diameter). This creates an electrically insulating air gap (not indicated by reference numerals) between the third ceramic washer 28 and the first elongated fastener 17 at the third ceramic washer 18.

[0045] The cross-section (such as the outer diameter) of the first elongated fastener 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, smaller than the cross-section at the first hole 15 in the first bearing housing 7 (such as smaller than the inner diameter of the first hole 15 in the first bearing housing 7), as in the embodiment of the propulsion unit 1 shown in the figure, such that the first elongated fastener 17 and the first bearing housing 7 are spaced apart from each other so that a first electrically insulating air gap 35 is provided between the first elongated fastener 17 and the first bearing housing 7 at the first hole 15, so as to electrically insulate the first elongated fastener 17 from the first bearing housing 7. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8 and a first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion, then the cross-section (such as the outer diameter) of the first elongated fastener 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, smaller than the cross-section at the first hole 15 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 (such as smaller than the inner diameter of the first hole 15 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7), as in the embodiment of the propulsion unit 1 shown in the figure, such that the first elongated fastener 17 and the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 are spaced apart from each other, so that a first electrically insulating air gap 35 is provided at the first hole 15 between the first elongated fastener 17 and the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 to electrically insulate the first elongated fastener 17 from the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7.

[0046] The cross-section (such as the outer diameter) of the first elongated fastener 17 can be, for example... Figure 5 The third embodiment of the propulsion unit 1 shown, Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 9 The seventh embodiment of the propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the propulsion unit 1, the cross-section at the second hole 16 in the housing 2 is smaller (e.g., smaller than the inner diameter of the second hole 16 in the housing 2) such that the first elongated fastener 17 and the housing 2 are spaced apart from each other, so that a second electrically insulating air gap 36 is provided between the first elongated fastener 17 and the housing 2 at the second hole 16, so as to electrically insulate the first elongated fastener 17 from the housing 2. If the housing 2 is provided with a first frame device 12, and the second hole 16 is provided in the first frame device, the cross-section (e.g., outer diameter) of the first elongated fastener 17 can be, as Figure 5 The third embodiment of the propulsion unit 1 shown, Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 9 The seventh embodiment of the propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10As shown in the eighth embodiment of the propulsion unit 1, the cross-section at the second hole 16 in the first frame device 12 of the housing 2 is smaller than that at the second hole 16 (such as smaller than the inner diameter of the second hole 16 in the first frame device 12 of the housing 2), such that the first elongated fastener 17 and the first frame device 12 of the housing 2 are spaced apart from each other at the second hole 16, so that a second electrically insulating air gap 36 is provided between the first elongated fastener 17 and the first frame device 12 of the housing 2 to electrically insulate the first elongated fastener 17 from the first frame device 12 of the housing 2.

[0047] If the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, then the first elongated fastener 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, as... Figure 2 The first embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, Figure 3 The second embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figures 11 to 13 As shown in the ninth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes a first externally threaded end section 20 located outside the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16, wherein the pressing device 27 includes a first nut 22 that threadedly engages the first externally threaded end section 20 and is configured to press the first bearing housing 7 and housing 2 toward each other. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, the first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion; and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame device 12, the second hole 16 is provided in the first frame device; and if the first fastening device 11 includes the pressing device 27, then the first elongated fastener 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, as... Figure 2 The first embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, Figure 3 The second embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figures 11 to 13As in the ninth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, it includes a first externally threaded end section 20 located outside the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16, wherein the pressing device 27 includes a first nut 22 that threadedly engages the first externally threaded end section 20 and is configured to press the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 toward each other. If the first fastening device 11 includes the pressing device 27, which includes the first nut 22 (as shown), the first electrical insulation device 13 preferably, but not necessarily, as in the embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, includes a second ceramic washer 23 that is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16, wherein the second ceramic washer 23 contacts the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 to space the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 apart from each other to electrically insulate the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 from each other. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, and a first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion, and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame assembly 12, and a second hole 16 is provided in the first frame assembly, and if the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, and if the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, the pressing device including a first nut 22 (as shown), then the first electrical insulation device 13 preferably, but not necessarily, as in the embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, includes a second ceramic washer 23, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16, wherein the second ceramic washer 23 contacts the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and contacts the first nut 22, so as to space the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 apart from each other, so as to electrically insulate the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 from each other. The first metal washer 24 can be positioned at the first elongated fastener 17 between the first nut 22 and the second ceramic washer 23, such as... Figure 2 The first embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, Figure 3 The second embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figures 11 to 13 As shown in the ninth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1. A spring washer (not shown), such as at least one Bass wrench, may also be provided at the first elongated fastener 17 between the first nut 22 and the second ceramic washer 23 to compensate for creep.

[0048] If the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, then the first elongated fastener 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, as... Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 7 As shown in the fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes a first external threaded end section 20 located outside the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16, and a second external threaded end section 21 located outside the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16. A pressing device 27, configured to press the first bearing housing 7 and housing 2 toward each other, includes a first nut 22 threadedly engaging the first external threaded end section 20 and a second nut 29 threadedly engaging the second external threaded end section 21. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, the first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion; and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame device 12, the second hole 16 is provided in the first frame device; and if the first fastening device 11 includes the pressing device 27, then the first elongated fastener 17 is preferably, but not necessarily, as... Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 7 As shown in the fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes a first externally threaded end section 20 located outside the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16, and a second externally threaded end section 21 located outside the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16. A pressing device 27, configured to press the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 toward each other, includes a first nut 22 threadedly engaging the first externally threaded end section 20 and a second nut 29 threadedly engaging the second externally threaded end section 21. If the first fastening device 11 includes the pressing device 27, which includes the first nut 22 and the second nut 29 (as presented), then the first electrical insulation device 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, as... Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 7As shown in the fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes a second ceramic washer 23, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16, wherein the second ceramic washer 23 contacts the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 to space the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 apart from each other and to electrically insulate the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 from each other; and includes a third ceramic washer 28, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16, wherein the third ceramic washer 28 contacts the housing 2 and the second nut 29 to space the housing 2 and the second nut 29 apart from each other and to electrically insulate the housing 2 and the second nut 29 from each other. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, and a first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion; and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame device 12, and a second hole 16 is provided in the first frame device; and if the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, which includes a first nut 22 and a second nut 29 (as shown), then the first electrical insulation device 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, as... Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 7 As shown in the fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes a second ceramic washer 23, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16, wherein the second ceramic washer 23 contacts the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 to space the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 apart from each other and to electrically insulate the first bearing housing 7 and the first nut 22 from each other; and includes a third ceramic washer 28, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16, wherein the third ceramic washer 28 contacts the housing 2 and the second nut 29 to space the housing 2 and the second nut 29 apart from each other and to electrically insulate the housing 2 and the second nut 29 from each other. A first metal washer 24 may be as follows: Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 7As shown in the fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, a first extended fastener 17 is disposed between the first nut 22 and the second ceramic washer 23, and a second metal washer 30 may be disposed between the second nut 29 and the third ceramic washer 28 at the first extended fastener 17. A spring washer (not shown), such as at least one Basselt washer, may also be disposed between the first nut 22 and the second ceramic washer 23 at the first extended fastener 17, and between the second nut 29 and the third ceramic washer 28 at the first extended fastener 17, to compensate for creep.

[0049] If the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, then the pressing device 27 may, for example... Figure 2 The first embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, Figure 3 The second embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figures 11 to 13 As shown in the ninth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes an internal thread 19 in a second hole 16 in the housing 2, wherein the internal thread 19 in the second hole 16 in the housing 2 is configured to engage the second external thread end section 21 of a first elongated fastener 17 on the outer side of the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16, so as to anchor the first elongated fastener 17 in the second hole 16 in the housing 2. If the housing 2 is provided with a first frame device 12, the second hole 16 is provided in the first frame device, and if the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, then the pressing device 27 can, as Figure 2 The first embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, Figure 3 The second embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figures 11 to 13 As shown in the ninth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes an internal thread 19 in the second hole 16 of the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2, wherein the internal thread 19 in the second hole 16 of the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 is configured to engage the second external thread end section 21 of the first elongated fastener 17 on the outside of the aligned first hole 15 and second hole 16, so as to anchor the first elongated fastener 17 in the second hole 16 of the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2.

[0050] If the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, then the pressing device 27 may, for example... Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 9 The seventh embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes a head 31 integrally disposed at the first elongated fastener 17, wherein the head 31 is configured to press the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 toward each other. In practice, this means that the first elongated fastener 17 can be a headed bolt. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, a first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion; and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame assembly 12, a second hole 16 is provided in the first frame assembly; and if the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, then the pressing device 27 can be, as... Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 9 The seventh embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes a head 31 integrally disposed at the first elongated fastener 17, wherein the head 31 is configured to press the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 toward each other. If the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, which includes the head 31 integrally disposed at the first elongated fastener 17 (as shown), then the first electrical insulation device 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, as Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 9 The seventh embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, a second ceramic washer 23 is included, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16. The second ceramic washer 23 contacts the first bearing housing 7 and the head 31 to space the first bearing housing 7 and the head 31 apart from each other and to electrically insulate them from each other. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, and the first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion; and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame assembly 12, and the second hole 16 is provided in the first frame assembly; and if the first fastening device 11 includes a pressing device 27, and if the pressing device 27 includes a head 31 integrally provided at the first elongated fastener 17 (as shown), then the first electrical insulation device 13 is preferably, but not necessarily, as... Figure 6The fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 9 The seventh embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, a second ceramic washer 23 is included, which is penetrated or passed through by the first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16. The second ceramic washer 23 contacts the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the head 31 to space the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the head 31 from each other, and to electrically insulate the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the head 31 from each other. Figure 6 In the fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, the first metal washer 24 can be as follows: Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 9 The seventh embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it is located at the first elongated fastener 17 between the head 31 and the first ceramic washer 23.

[0051] The first hole 15 in the first bearing housing 7 is preferably, but not necessarily, as... Figure 3 The second embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 7 The fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, a first recess 25 is provided, which at least partially surrounds the first hole 15, and a second hole 16 in the housing 2 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with a second recess 26, which at least partially surrounds the second hole 16. A first ceramic insulator 42, in the form of a first ceramic washer 18, which contacts both the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2, is partially arranged in the first recess 25 and partially arranged in the second recess 26. The advantage of this is that it allows the first ceramic insulator 42, in the form of a first ceramic washer 18, to transmit shear force between the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2. If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, and the first hole 15 is provided in the first flange portion, and if the housing 2 is provided with a first frame assembly 12, and the second hole 16 is provided in the first frame assembly, then the first hole 15 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with a second recess 26, as shown in the second recess 25. Figure 3 The second embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 7The fifth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown. Figure 8 The sixth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, a first recess 25 is provided, which at least partially surrounds the first hole 15. A second recess 26 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided in the second hole 16 of the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2, which at least partially surrounds the second hole 16. A first ceramic insulator 42, in the form of a first ceramic washer 18, which contacts the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2, is partially arranged in the first recess 25 and partially arranged in the second recess 26. The shape and size of the first ceramic insulator 42, in the form of a first ceramic washer 18, preferably, but not necessarily, at least partially corresponds to the shape and size of the first recess 25, and the shape and size of the first ceramic insulator 42, in the form of a first ceramic washer 18, preferably, but not necessarily, at least partially corresponds to the shape and size of the second recess 26. For example, the first ceramic insulator 42 in the form of a first ceramic washer 18 may be annular, such that the first ceramic insulator 42 in the form of a first ceramic washer 18 has an outer cylindrical surface and an inner cylindrical surface, and for example, the first recess 25 may have a cylindrical shape or a portion of a cylindrical shape, and the second recess 26 may have a cylindrical shape or a portion of a cylindrical shape, such that the first recess 25 is configured to hold the first ceramic insulator 42 in the form of a first ceramic washer 18 with a clearance fit, transition fit, or interference fit, and such that the second recess 26 is configured to hold the first ceramic insulator 42 in the form of a first ceramic washer 18 with a clearance fit, transition fit, or interference fit. In such cases, the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical surface of the first ceramic insulator 42 in the form of a first ceramic washer 18 is preferably, but not necessarily, larger than the outer diameter of the first elongated fastener 17 of the first fastening device 11 at the first ceramic insulator 42 in the form of a first ceramic washer 18.

[0052] The first bearing housing 7 may be provided with a third recess 43, and the housing 2 may be provided with a fourth recess 44, wherein at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 that contact the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 are partially arranged in the third recess 43 and partially arranged in the fourth recess 44. Figures 11 to 13 The ninth embodiment, as a propulsion unit, illustrates a detailed view of an embodiment of this pod-based propulsion component. Figures 11 to 13 In this design, the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a first flange portion 8, and a third recess portion 43 is provided within the first flange portion 8. Figures 11 to 13In this configuration, the housing 2 is provided with a first frame assembly 12, and a fourth recess 44 is provided within the first frame assembly 12. The advantage of providing such a third recess 43 and a fourth recess 44 is that this allows the first ceramic insulator 42 to transmit shear force between the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2. It is possible that at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 in contact with the first bearing housing 7 and the contact housing 2 have a cylindrical shape, such that at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 are partially arranged in a third recess 43 in the first bearing housing 7, the third recess 43 having a cylindrical shape or a portion of a cylindrical shape, such that the third recess 43 is configured to hold the first ceramic insulator 42 in the third recess 43 with a clearance fit, transition fit, or interference fit, and such that at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 are partially arranged in a fourth recess 44 in the housing 2, the fourth recess 44 having a cylindrical shape or a portion of a cylindrical shape, such that the fourth recess 44 is configured to hold the first ceramic insulator 42 in the fourth recess 44 with a clearance fit, transition fit, or interference fit. Figure 12 As shown, it is possible to provide a first ceramic insulator 42 for other embodiments of the propulsion unit, such that the first ceramic insulator 42 is partially disposed in the first recess 43 of the first bearing housing 7 and the fourth recess 44 of the housing 2. The first bearing housing 7 may, as Figure 2 The first embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown, Figure 5 The third embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1 shown and Figure 10 As shown in the eighth embodiment of the pod propulsion unit 1, it includes an outer circumferential surface portion 32, and the housing 2 may include an inner circumferential surface portion 33 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface portion 32 of the housing 2. An electrically insulating material 34, which contacts the outer circumferential surface portion 32 of the first bearing housing 7 and the inner circumferential surface portion 33 of the housing 2, is disposed between the outer circumferential surface portion 32 of the first bearing housing 7 and the inner circumferential surface portion 33 of the housing 2, to transmit force between the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2. The electrically insulating material 34 may, for example, include epoxy-reinforced glass fiber. Alternatively, the electrically insulating material 34 may include a ceramic material. The electrically insulating material 34 may be a single piece or formed from multiple pieces of electrically insulating material 34.

[0053] If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a third recess 43, and if the housing 2 is provided with a fourth recess 44, such that at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 contacting the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 are partially arranged in the third recess 43 and partially arranged in the fourth recess 44, then the first fastening device 11 for fastening the bearing housing 7 to the pod housing 2 includes, as in the embodiment of the pod propulsion unit shown, a first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16. Preferably, but not necessarily, a pressing device 27 is provided, configured to cooperate with the first elongated fastener 17 to press the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 toward each other, such that the first ceramic washer insulators 42 contacting the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 are pressed between the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2.

[0054] If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a third recess 43 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7, and if the housing 2 is provided with a fourth recess 44 in the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2, such that at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 that contact the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 are partially arranged in the third recess 43 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and partially arranged in the fourth recess 44 in the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2, then the first fastening device 11 for fastening the first flange portion 8 of the bearing housing 7 to the first frame assembly 12 of the pod housing 2 includes, as in the embodiment of the pod propulsion unit shown, a first elongated fastener 17 arranged in aligned first holes 15 and second holes 16. A pressing device 27 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the pressing device is configured to cooperate with the first elongated fastener 17 to press the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 toward each other, such that the first ceramic washer insulator 42 that contacts the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 is pressed between the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2.

[0055] If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a third recess 43, and if the housing 2 is provided with a fourth recess 44, such that at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 that contact the first bearing housing 7 and the housing 2 are partially arranged in the third recess 43 and partially arranged in the fourth recess 44, then the pod propulsion unit may additionally include first ceramic insulators 42 in the form of a first ceramic washer 18, which is penetrated or passed through by a first elongated fastener 17 that contacts the bearing housing 7 and the pod housing 2.

[0056] If the first bearing housing 7 is provided with a third recess 43 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7, and if the housing 2 is provided with a fourth recess 44 in the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2, such that at least some of the first ceramic insulators 42 that contact the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2 are partially arranged in the third recess 43 in the first flange portion 8 of the first bearing housing 7 and partially arranged in the fourth recess 44 in the first frame assembly 12 of the housing 2, then the pod propulsion unit may additionally include a first ceramic insulator 42 in the form of a first ceramic washer 18, which is penetrated or passed through by a first elongated fastener 17 that contacts the first flange portion 8 of the bearing housing 7 and the first frame assembly 12 of the pod housing 2, as... Figures 2 to 10 As shown in the embodiment of the pod propulsion unit.

[0057] The first bearing assembly 6 is preferably, but not necessarily, located at the so-called non-driving end (NDE) of the pod propulsion unit 1, and the first bearing assembly 6 may include, for example, a sliding pad thrust bearing (not shown) and an axial free roller support bearing (not shown) in the first bearing housing 7 of the first bearing assembly 6.

[0058] The second bearing assembly 9 is preferably, but not necessarily, located at the so-called drive end (DE) of the pod propulsion unit 1, and the second bearing assembly 9 may, for example, include an axially free roller support bearing (not shown) in the second bearing housing 10 of the second bearing assembly 9. The second bearing housing 10 of the second bearing assembly 9 preferably, but not necessarily, includes a second fastening device (not shown) for fastening the second bearing housing 10 of the second bearing assembly 9 to the housing 2 of the pod propulsion unit 1. A grounding brush (not shown) may be provided at the second bearing assembly 9, which is in electrical contact with the propeller shaft 5 and the housing 2 to ground the propeller shaft 5 and the housing 2.

[0059] like Figure 1As shown, the pod propulsion unit 1 preferably, but not necessarily, includes an electric motor 37 located in a housing between the first bearing assembly 6 and the second bearing assembly 9, such that the rotor 38 and stator 39 of the electric motor 37 are coaxially arranged around the propeller shaft 5.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the support arm 3 preferably, but not necessarily, includes a rotating device 41 through which the pod propulsion unit 1 can be connected to the hull 4 of the ship, so that the pod propulsion unit 1 can rotate relative to the hull 4 of the ship.

[0061] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the basic idea of ​​this invention can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Therefore, this invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but can be varied within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pod propulsion unit (1), comprising Shell (2) Support arm (3), which is attached to the housing (2) and configured to fasten the housing (2) to the hull (4) of the vessel. The propeller shaft (5) is rotatably supported within the housing by at least a first bearing assembly (6) having a first bearing housing (7) and by at least a second bearing assembly (9) having a second bearing housing (10). A first fastening device (11) is used to fasten the first bearing housing (7) to the housing (2), wherein the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) are spaced apart from each other by a first electrical insulation device (13), the first electrical insulation device being arranged between the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) and configured to electrically insulate the first bearing housing (7) from the housing (2). A propeller (14) is attached to the propeller shaft (5). Its features The first bearing housing (7) has a first hole (15) aligned with the second hole (16) of the housing (2) to form an aligned first hole (15) and second hole (16). The first fastening device (11) includes a first elongated fastener (17) arranged in aligned first holes (15) and second holes (16). The first electrical insulation device (13) includes a first ceramic insulator (42), and The first ceramic insulator (42) contacts the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) to space the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) apart from each other.

2. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that... The first fastening device (11) includes a pressing device (27) configured to cooperate with the first elongated fastener (17) to press the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) toward each other such that the first ceramic insulator (42) in contact with the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) is pressed between the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2).

3. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that... The first elongated fastener (17) includes a first externally threaded end section (20), and the pressing device (27) includes a first nut (22) that threadedly engages the first externally threaded end section (20).

4. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that... The first elongated fastener (17) includes a second externally threaded end section (21), and the pressing device (27) includes a second nut (29) that threadedly engages the second externally threaded end section (21).

5. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that... The pressing device (27) includes an internal thread (19) in the second hole (16) in the housing (2), and the internal thread is configured to thread-engage a second external thread end section (21) of the first elongated fastener (17) so as to anchor the first elongated fastener (17) in the second hole (16) in the housing (2).

6. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that... The pressing device (27) includes a head (31) integrally disposed at the first elongated fastener (17).

7. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that... The first electrical insulation device (13) includes a second ceramic washer (23) penetrated by the first elongated fastener (17) arranged in aligned first holes (15) and second holes (16), and The second ceramic washer (23) contacts the first bearing housing (7) and the pressing device (27) to space the first bearing housing (7) and the pressing device (27) apart from each other.

8. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that... The first electrical insulation device (13) includes a third ceramic washer (28) penetrated by the first elongated fastener (17) arranged in aligned first holes (15) and second holes (16), and The third ceramic washer (28) contacts the housing (2) and the pressing device (27) to space the housing (2) and the pressing device (27) apart from each other.

9. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that... At least some of the first ceramic insulators (42) are in the form of first ceramic washers (18), which are penetrated by the first elongated fasteners (17) arranged in aligned first holes (15) and second holes (16).

10. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that... The first hole (15) in the first bearing housing (7) is provided with a first recess (25), the first recess at least partially surrounding the first hole (15). The second hole (16) in the housing (2) is provided with a second recess (26), the second recess at least partially surrounding the second hole (16), and The first ceramic washer (18) that contacts the first bearing housing (7) and the housing (2) is partially arranged in the first recess (25) and partially arranged in the second recess (26).

11. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that... The shape and size of the first ceramic washer (18) at least partially correspond to the shape and size of the first recess (25), and The shape and size of the first ceramic washer (18) correspond at least partially to the shape and size of the second recess (26).

12. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that... The first ceramic washer (18) is annular, giving it an outer cylindrical surface and an inner cylindrical surface. The first recess (25) has a columnar shape or the shape of a portion of a column. The second recess (26) has a columnar shape or the shape of a portion of a column. The first recess (25) is configured to hold the first ceramic washer (18) with a clearance fit, transition fit, or interference fit, and The second recess (26) is configured to hold the first ceramic gasket (18) with a clearance fit, transition fit or interference fit.

13. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that... The first ceramic insulator (40) is made at least in part of at least one of alumina or zirconium oxide.

14. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that... The first bearing housing (7) includes an outer peripheral surface portion (32). The shell (2) includes an inner circumferential surface portion (33). The outer peripheral surface portion of the first bearing housing (7) is surrounded by the inner peripheral surface portion of the housing (2), and Electrically insulating material (34) is disposed between the outer peripheral surface portion (32) of the first bearing housing (7) and the inner peripheral surface portion (33) of the housing (2).

15. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that... The cross-section, such as the diameter, of the first elongated fastener (17) is smaller than the cross-section of the first bearing housing (7) at the first hole (15) of the first bearing housing (7), such as the diameter of the first hole (15), such that the first elongated fastener (17) and the first bearing housing (7) are spaced apart from each other, so as to provide a first electrically insulating air gap (35) between the first elongated fastener (17) and the first bearing housing (7) to electrically insulate the first elongated fastener (17) from the first bearing housing (7).

16. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that... The cross-section, such as the diameter, of the first elongated fastener (17) is smaller than the cross-section at the second hole (16) in the housing (2), such as the diameter of the second hole (16) in the housing (2), such that the first elongated fastener (17) and the housing (2) are spaced apart from each other, so as to provide a second electrically insulating air gap (36) between the first elongated fastener (17) and the housing (2) to electrically insulate the first elongated fastener (17) from the housing (2).

17. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that... The first bearing housing (7) is provided with a first flange portion (8), and The first hole (15) is provided in the first flange portion (8).

18. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that... The housing (2) is provided with a first frame device (12), and The second hole (16) is provided in the first frame device (12).

19. The pod propulsion unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that... The first bearing housing (7) is provided with a third recess (43). The housing (2) is provided with a fourth recess (44). At least some of the first ceramic insulators that contact the first bearing housing (7) and the first ceramic insulators that contact the housing (2) are partially arranged in a third recess (43) and partially arranged in a fourth recess (44).

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