Outboard motor

Abstract

An outboard motor (10) comprising an internal combustion engine (11), a crankshaft (18) of the internal combustion engine, an electric motor (26), a motor shaft (27) of the electric motor, a torque transmitting assembly (19), a gearbox input shaft (20), a gearbox (17), a gearbox output shaft (21), an endless annular flexible drive coupling (22) and a propeller shaft (12), where the crankshaft (18) is connected to the gearbox input shaft (20) through the torque transmitting assembly (19), and wherein the gearbox output shaft (21) is connected to the propeller shaft (12) by an endless annular flexible drive coupling (22), wherein a motor shaft (27) of the electric motor (26) is connected to the torque transmitting assembly (19). An outboard motor including a plurality of electric motors is disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an outboard motor. More specifically, the present invention relates to an outboard motor comprising an internal combustion engine, a crankshaft, an electric motor having a motor shaft, a torque transfer assembly, a gearbox input shaft, a gearbox, a gearbox output shaft, an endless annular flexible drive coupling, and a propeller shaft, wherein the crankshaft is connected to the gearbox input shaft via the torque transfer assembly, and wherein the gearbox output shaft is connected to the propeller shaft via the endless annular flexible drive coupling.

[0002] An outboard motor is an independent propulsion and steering device for a watercraft, such as a boat, and is configured to be fastened to the beam of the boat. One type of such watercraft is a boat designed to plane during operation, wherein the propeller shaft is arranged substantially horizontally and below the hull of the watercraft during operation. This type of outboard motor can be used to drive a single propeller or twin counter-rotating propellers. Background Art

[0003] Outboard motors are commonly used for propulsion of watercraft, such as boats. They have a powerhead with an engine (such as an internal combustion engine), a midsection, and a lower unit with a propeller shaft for driving a propeller connected to the propeller shaft. A power transmission arrangement is configured to transfer output power from the engine to the propeller shaft.

[0004] Numerous outboard motors are known in the prior art. WO 2009 / 075623 discloses a prior art outboard motor in which a diesel engine crankshaft is connected to a gearbox via a belt or chain drive, and the gearbox is connected to a propeller shaft via another belt or chain drive. This prior art outboard motor has proven to be robust, efficient, and reduces fuel consumption. However, further improvements in power, efficiency, and flexibility are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an efficient and reliable outboard motor with increased power capacity and flexibility. The outboard motor according to the present invention can be operated in an efficient and flexible manner in different environments to obtain faster acceleration and favorable energy consumption.

[0006] The present invention relates to an outboard motor comprising an internal combustion engine, a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a motor shaft of the electric motor, a torque transfer assembly, a gearbox input shaft, a gearbox, a gearbox output shaft, an endless annular flexible drive coupling and a propeller shaft, wherein the crankshaft is connected to the gearbox input shaft via a torque transfer assembly, and wherein the gearbox output shaft is connected to the propeller shaft via an endless annular flexible drive coupling, characterised in that the motor shaft of the electric motor is connected to the torque transfer assembly. The combination of the torque transfer assembly between the crankshaft and the gearbox together with the electric motor connected to the torque transfer assembly produces an efficient and reliable outboard motor having advantageous power capacity and flexible drive modes as well as the possibility of fuel saving. For example, the electric motor can also be used as a generator. The electric motor can be configured on the torque transfer assembly. The electric motor can be configured to provide rotational power to the torque transfer assembly.

[0007] The motor shaft of the electric motor can be concentric with the crankshaft. Therefore, the electric motor can be easily set up, for example, also in the form of a modified solution. The crankshaft can be selectively connected to one side of the torque transfer assembly by a clutch, wherein the electric motor is connected to the opposite side of the torque transfer assembly. Therefore, the electric motor can be configured in a favorable position for power output and easy connection and accessibility. For example, the upper gear, sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly is connected to the motor shaft of the electric motor and is connected to the crankshaft by a clutch. Therefore, the upper gear, sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly can be configured between the crankshaft and the electric motor to provide an efficient and high-power structure. The upper gear, sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly can be aligned with the motor shaft of the electric motor and with the crankshaft, thereby forming a direct and simple structure for efficient power transmission and easy installation.

[0008] The electric motor may be a first electric motor having a first motor shaft, and the outboard motor may further comprise a second electric motor having a second motor shaft, wherein the second electric motor is connected to the gearbox input shaft or the gearbox output shaft. Thus, an efficient and powerful outboard motor with flexible drive modes and reduced fuel consumption may be achieved. The first electric motor may be larger than the second electric motor, which provides flexibility and power, but may also provide a fluid-powered outboard motor. Thus, the size (i.e. volume) of the second electric motor may be smaller than the first electric motor.

[0009] A first control system may be connected to the first electric motor, and a second control system may be connected to the second electric motor, wherein the first electric motor and the second electric motor are independently controllable by means of the first control system and the second control system. Thus, the first electric motor and the second electric motor can be independently controlled for efficient and flexible power usage and can also be used for power intake, as one or both of the electric motors can be used as a generator for charging the battery or for power output for other functions.

[0010] The electric motor may be cooled by a closed cooling circuit operated by means of a pump for pumping coolant to the housing or a cavity within said housing for cooling the electric motor and optionally also for cooling other components, such as the torque transmitting assembly.

[0011] The outboard motor of the present invention is used for a watercraft including a hull, such as a boat. The watercraft may be a planing craft. The outboard motor is configured to propel and steer the watercraft. One or more batteries for powering the electric motor or for charging the electric motor when used as a generator may be disposed within the hull of the watercraft.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments, the accompanying drawings and the dependent technical solutions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention will now be described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an outboard motor according to one embodiment with a cover removed for illustration purposes,

[0015] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 But a schematic side view of an outboard motor with twin propellers,

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an outboard motor according to another embodiment,

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an outboard motor according to yet another embodiment, and

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a portion of an outboard motor according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] refer to Figure 1An outboard motor 10 for a watercraft, such as a boat, is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The outboard motor 10 is a self-contained marine propulsion and steering device for propelling and steering the watercraft. The watercraft includes a hull and a beam. The outboard motor 10 can be used for various types of watercraft. For example, the watercraft may be configured to plan during operation at higher speeds, wherein the hull is configured as a planing hull.

[0020] The outboard motor 10 includes an internal combustion engine 11, such as a diesel engine. The engine 11 is housed in the powerhead of the outboard motor 10. The powerhead also includes an engine housing, such as a hood (not shown). The outboard motor 10 also includes a lower unit having a propeller shaft 12 and a middle portion connecting the powerhead and the lower unit. The lower unit includes the propeller shaft 12, a torpedo-shaped housing for the propeller shaft 12, an optional conventional skeg, and an optional propeller 13. The middle portion is formed as a leg connecting the powerhead and the lower unit. The propeller shaft 12 is provided with a propeller 13, which may be detachable. The outboard motor 10 is configured to be connected to the hull of a watercraft, for example, such that the outboard motor 10, or at least a major portion thereof, is located outside the hull. The middle portion is located outside the beam, and the lower unit having the propeller shaft 12 is located below the outside of the hull. When the outboard motor 10 is in operation, the propeller shaft 12 is located below the waterline and also below the hull. For example, during normal operation of the outboard motor 10, the lower unit is positioned below the hull. Thus, the outboard motor 10 is configured to protrude a certain distance into the water during operation, such that the propeller 13, the lower unit, and optionally a portion of the mid-section are submerged in the water, with the waterline positioned above the propeller 13 and above the lower unit. Thus, the lower unit is configured for efficient hydrodynamics.

[0021] For example, the outboard motor 10 includes a conventional fastening device for fastening the outboard motor 10 to the stern of the hull, such as a beam. The fastening device is configured, for example, as a conventional mounting bracket 14. For example, the mounting bracket 14 includes or is provided with a trim / tilt system, such as a hydraulic or electric trim / tilt system. For example, the trim / tilt system is conventional. Therefore, the outboard motor 10 includes a transversely extending trim axis 15, such as a horizontal trim axis. The outboard motor 10 includes a steering axis 16, such as a vertical or substantially vertical steering axis (depending on the trim). In addition to the mounting bracket 14, the entire outboard motor 10 rotates about the steering axis 16 to steer the watercraft. Therefore, the power head, the middle part and the lower unit can pivot about the steering axis 16. For example, the power head, the middle part and the lower unit are arranged in fixed positions relative to each other and rotate about the steering axis 16 as a unit.

[0022] Outboard motor 10 includes a gearbox 17 having gears for driving propeller 13 in forward and reverse rotation. For example, gearbox 17 is conventional and may include forward, reverse, and neutral positions. Crankshaft 18 of engine 11 is connected to gearbox 17 via a torque transfer assembly 19, which is used to transfer rotational power (also known as torque) from crankshaft 18 to an input shaft 20 of gearbox 17. For example, torque transfer assembly 19 is a chain drive or belt drive assembly including a sprocket and chain or a timing pulley and belt. Optionally, torque transfer assembly 19 includes gears. Gearbox 17 includes a gearbox output shaft 21. For example, gearbox 17 is located below engine 11, between crankshaft 18 and propeller shaft 12, with gearbox input shaft 20 and gearbox output shaft 21 arranged parallel to crankshaft 18 and propeller shaft 12. Gearbox output shaft 21 is connected to propeller shaft 12 via an endless, annular, flexible drive coupling 22, such as a chain drive or belt drive.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the outboard motor 10 includes a clutch 23 (such as a cam clutch), which is, for example, hydraulically or electrically operated. The clutch 23 is disposed on or connected to the crankshaft 18 for transferring torque from the crankshaft to the torque transfer assembly 19 when the clutch 23 is engaged, wherein no torque is transferred from the crankshaft 18 to the torque transfer assembly 19 when the clutch 23 is fully disengaged. For example, the crankshaft 18 has one end connected to a flywheel 24, wherein the clutch 23 is disposed between the flywheel 24 and the torque transfer assembly 19. The clutch 23 is connected to a drive shaft 25, wherein the crankshaft 18 selectively drives the drive shaft 25 via the clutch 23. The drive shaft 25 is, for example, coaxial with the crankshaft 18. The drive shaft 25 drives the torque transfer assembly 19. For example, an upper sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly 19 is disposed on the drive shaft 25. For example, the upper sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly 19 is fixed to the drive shaft 25 and rotates together with the drive shaft 25.

[0024] The outboard motor 10 includes at least one electric motor 26. The electric motor 26 is connected to the drive shaft 25 and one of the transmission input shaft 20. Thus, the electric motor 26 is connected to the torque transfer assembly 19 for driving, for example, the torque transfer assembly 19 together with the engine 11, so that the torque transfer assembly 19 is driven by the engine 11 and / or the electric motor 26, for example selectively by one or both of the engine 11 and the electric motor 26. The electric motor 26 includes a motor shaft 27. The motor shaft 27 can be fixed to the drive shaft 25 or connected to the drive shaft 25 via a clutch.

[0025] exist Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the outboard motor 10 includes a first electric motor 26a and a second electric motor 26b. The first electric motor 23a drives the torque transfer assembly 19, for example, via the drive shaft 25 or the transmission input shaft 20. The motor shaft 27a of the first electric motor 26a is, for example, coaxial with the drive shaft 25 or the transmission input shaft 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electric motor 26a is connected to the drive shaft 25 for driving the upper sprocket or upper timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly 19. For example, the upper sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly 19 is arranged between the engine 11 and the first electric motor 26a. Therefore, the first electric motor 26a and the engine are arranged on opposite sides of the upper sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly 19. For example, the clutch 23 and the flywheel 24 are arranged between the engine 11 and the first electric motor 26a in the direction of travel. For example, the first electric motor 26a is arranged in a direction toward the stern of the boat.

[0026] A second electric motor 26b is connected to the transmission output shaft 21 for selectively driving the transmission output shaft 21 with or without additional torque from the engine 11. For example, the motor shaft 27b of the second electric motor 26b is coaxial with the transmission output shaft 21. The second electric motor 26b is positioned, for example, aft, below the first electric motor 26a and, for example, is typically positioned above the waterline during operation. Thus, the propeller shaft 12 can be selectively driven by one or more of the engine 11, the first electric motor 26a, and the second electric motor 26b. According to one embodiment, the first electric motor 26a is larger and / or more powerful than the second electric motor 26b.

[0027] The electric motors 26a and 26b include motor shafts 27a and 27b for outputting power in the form of rotational power (also referred to herein as torque). The motor shaft 27a of the first electric motor 26a can be fixed to the drive shaft 25 or connected to the drive shaft 25 via a clutch (not shown), while the motor shaft 27b of the second electric motor 26b can be fixed to the transmission output shaft 21 or connected to the transmission output shaft 21 via a clutch.

[0028] For example, electric motors 26a, 26b include a stator and a rotor. For example, electric motors 26a, 26b are AC electric motors, such as asynchronous motors. For example, electric motors 26a, 26b are induction motors. Alternatively, electric motors 26a, 26b are DC motors, such as brushed DC electric motors, permanent magnet DC electric motors, or brushless DC motors. According to one embodiment, electric motors 26a, 26b are axial flux motors. For example, each of electric motors 26a, 26b is capable of generating at least 50 kW or at least 75 kW, such as 100 kW, 200 kW, or 300 kW. For example, first electric motor 26a is capable of generating at least 200 kW or at least 300 kW, wherein second electric motor 26b is capable of generating a maximum of 200 kW, a maximum of 150 kW, a maximum of 100 kW, or a maximum of 50 kW. For example, electric motors 26a, 26b are conventional industrially produced electric motors, such as those mass-produced in series in quantities of at least several thousand units. The electric motors 26a, 26b can be replaceable and / or retrofitted, i.e., added to a previously assembled outboard motor having only the internal combustion engine 11. The electric motor 26 or the electric motors 26a, 26b are connected to or can be connected to one or more batteries (not shown) configured on the watercraft. For example, the electric motors 26a, 26b are reversible so that the motor shafts 27a, 27b can be driven in any direction of rotation. For example, the speed of the electric motors 26a, 26b is adjustable so that the motor shafts 27a, 27b can be driven at a selectable rotational speed. For example, the speed and direction of rotation of the electric motors 26a, 26b are controlled by a conventional control system not shown in the accompanying drawings. According to one embodiment, the first electric motor 26a and / or the second electric motor 26b is configured to function as a generator.

[0029] Also refer to Figure 2 , an outboard motor 10 is shown according to another embodiment. Figure 2 The embodiment of the invention is similar to the embodiment of the invention in terms of the configuration of the first electric motor 26a on the drive shaft 25 and the configuration of the second electric motor 26b on the gearbox output shaft 21. Figure 1 .exist Figure 2In an embodiment, the outboard motor 10 includes a first propeller 13a and a second propeller 13b. The propellers 13a and 13b are configured to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other to propel the watercraft. Therefore, one of the first and second propellers 13a and 13b is a right-hand propeller that rotates clockwise when viewed from the stern of the boat when propelling the watercraft forward, and the other is a left-hand propeller that rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the stern of the boat when propelling the watercraft forward. The outboard motor 10 includes a first propeller shaft 12a and a second propeller shaft 12b. The first propeller shaft 12a is configured to drive the first propeller 13a. Therefore, the first propeller 13a is connected to or can be connected to the first propeller shaft 12a. The second propeller shaft 12b is configured to drive the second propeller 13b. Therefore, the second propeller 13b is connected to or can be connected to the second propeller shaft 12b. The first propeller shaft 12a and the second propeller shaft 12b are configured as a twin propeller shaft. The first propeller shaft 12a and the second propeller shaft 12b are concentric and configured to rotate in opposite directions, causing the first propeller 13a and the second propeller 13b to rotate in opposite directions. For example, the first propeller shaft 12a extends through the second propeller shaft 12b and through the second propeller 13b to reach the first propeller 12a. Therefore, the first propeller shaft 12a is configured to have a smaller diameter than the second propeller shaft 12b. Furthermore, the first propeller shaft 12a is longer than the second propeller shaft 12b. The propeller shafts 12a and 12b are arranged in the torpedo-shaped housing of the lower unit. The propeller shafts 12a and 12b are arranged parallel to the crankshaft 18.

[0030] refer to Figure 3 , an outboard motor 10 is shown according to yet another embodiment, wherein the outboard motor 10 includes a single electric motor 26. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the electric motor 26 is configured on the drive shaft 25 for driving the upper sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transmission assembly 19. The electric motor 26 is configured such that its motor shaft 27 is coaxial with the crankshaft 18 and is on the side of the upper sprocket or timing pulley opposite to the clutch 23.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, an upper sprocket or timing pulley 28 is connected to or configured on the drive shaft 25 and drives a chain or belt 29 connected to the transmission input shaft 20 via a lower sprocket or timing pulley 30. Thus, the torque transmission assembly 19 includes the upper sprocket or timing pulley 28, the chain or belt 29, and the lower sprocket or timing pulley 30. The torque transmission assembly 19 may have this configuration in all embodiments. Similarly, the endless, flexible drive coupling 22 may include an upper sprocket or timing pulley 31, a chain or belt 32, and a lower sprocket or timing pulley 33, wherein the upper sprocket or timing pulley 31 is configured on the transmission output shaft 21, and the lower sprocket or timing pulley 33 is configured on the propeller shaft 12, such that the propeller shaft 12 is driven by the chain or belt 32. The endless, flexible drive coupling 22 may have this configuration in all embodiments.

[0032] refer to Figure 4 , shows an outboard motor 10 according to another embodiment, wherein the outboard motor 10 includes as shown in reference Figure 1 The first and second electric motors 26a and 26b are described, and further include a third electric motor 26c. The third electric motor 26c is configured to drive a lower sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly 19. The third electric motor 26c is configured, for example, so that its electric motor shaft 27c is coaxial with the transmission input shaft 20. For example, the electric motors 26a to 26c are configured to be selectively driven individually or in combination with each other and / or with the engine 11, such as by means of a conventional control system. For example, the third electric motor 26c is larger than the second electric motor 26b. For example, the first and third electric motors 26a and 26c are similar, with the second electric motor 26b being smaller.

[0033] refer to Figure 5 , a portion of an outboard motor according to an embodiment is similar to Figure 3 .exist Figure 5 In FIG, the engine 11 is not shown. Figure 5 In the embodiment, a method similar to Figure 3 The single electric motor 26 driving the upper sprocket or timing pulley of the torque transfer assembly 19 may include the engine 11 and additional electric motors 26b, 26c as described above. Figure 5As shown, the torque transfer assembly 19 includes a housing 34 that encloses the upper sprocket or timing pulley 28, the chain or belt, and the lower sprocket or timing pulley 30 as described above. The housing 34 includes an inlet and an outlet for a coolant, wherein the coolant can be circulated through the housing 34 by means of a pump (not shown). For example, the inlet is connected to a coolant source that forms a closed cooling circuit for cooling the torque transfer assembly. For example, the chamber for the coolant is separate from the chamber containing the chain or belt 29. According to one embodiment, the chamber for the coolant is arranged near the electric motor 26 for cooling the electric motor 26 as well as the torque transfer assembly 19. Alternatively, a separate cooling circuit (which can be closed and can include its own dedicated pump) is configured for cooling the electric motor.

[0034] All embodiments disclose an outboard motor 10. Thus, the engine 11, crankshaft 18, electric motors 26a-26c, motor shafts 27a-27c, drive shaft 25, gearbox input shaft 20, gearbox output shaft 21 and propeller shafts 12a, 12b are in a fixed configuration relative to each other.

Claims

1. An outboard motor (10) comprising an internal combustion engine (11), a crankshaft (18) of the internal combustion engine, an electric motor (26), a motor shaft (27) of the electric motor, a torque transfer assembly (19), a gearbox input shaft (20), a gearbox (17), a gearbox output shaft (21), an endless annular flexible drive coupling (22), and a propeller shaft (12), wherein the crankshaft (18) is connected to the gearbox input shaft (20) via the torque transfer assembly (19), and wherein the gearbox output shaft (21) is connected to the propeller shaft (12) via the endless annular flexible drive coupling (22), It is characterized by: The motor shaft (27) of the electric motor (26) is connected to the torque transfer assembly (19).

2. The outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the motor shaft (27) of the electric motor (26) is concentric with the crankshaft (18).

3. An outboard motor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the crankshaft (18) is selectively drivingly connected to one side of the torque transfer assembly (19) via a clutch (23), and wherein the electric motor (26) is connected to the opposite side of the torque transfer assembly (19).

4. An outboard motor according to claim 3, wherein the upper gear, upper sprocket or timing pulley (28) of the torque transfer assembly (19) is connected to the motor shaft (27) of the electric motor (26) and is connected to the crankshaft (18) through the clutch (23).

5. An outboard motor according to claim 4, wherein the upper gear, upper sprocket or timing pulley (28) of the torque transfer assembly (19) is aligned with the motor shaft (27) of the electric motor (26) and with the crankshaft (18).

6. An outboard motor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the torque transfer assembly (19) includes a chain or belt (29) connected to the upper sprocket or timing pulley (28) and the lower sprocket or timing pulley (30), and wherein the lower sprocket or timing pulley (30) is arranged on the transmission input shaft (20).

7. An outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (26) is a first electric motor (26a) having a first motor shaft (27a), and wherein the outboard motor further comprises a second electric motor (26b) having a second motor shaft (27b), wherein the second electric motor (26b) is connected to the gearbox input shaft (20) or the gearbox output shaft (21).

8. The outboard motor according to claim 7, wherein the second motor shaft (27b) is concentric with the gearbox input shaft (20) or the gearbox output shaft (21).

9. The outboard motor according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first electric motor (26a) is larger than the second electric motor (26b).

10. An outboard motor according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a first control system is connected to the first electric motor (26a) and a second control system is connected to the second electric motor (26b), wherein the first electric motor (26a) and the second electric motor (26b) can be individually controlled by means of the first control system and the second control system.

11. An outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (26) is an axial flux motor.

12. An outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (26) is configured to provide at least 50 kW, such as at least 100 kW or at least 200 kW.

13. An outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crankshaft (18) is configured parallel to the propeller shaft (12), wherein the position of the crankshaft is fixed relative to the position of the propeller shaft, and wherein the gearbox (17) is configured at a position below the internal combustion engine (11).

14. An outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The endless annular flexible drive coupling (22) is a belt or chain drive.

15. An outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The torque transmission assembly (19) includes a chain and a sprocket.

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