An electric outboard motor

Abstract

This application discloses an electric outboard motor to reduce maintenance difficulty and cost. The application includes: an outboard motor body, a motor housing, a motor, and a propeller. The motor is sealed within the motor housing, and the motor's output shaft passes through the motor housing and connects to the propeller. The motor housing is detachably connected to the lower part of the outboard motor body, and the outboard motor body and the motor are electrically connected via a waterproof electrical connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of marine propulsion technology, and in particular to an electric outboard motor. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of marine propulsion, outboard motors are used in various small vessels, such as yachts, fishing boats, and water recreation facilities. Depending on the power source, they can be classified into several types, including diesel outboard motors, hydrogen fuel cell outboard motors, hybrid outboard motors, and electric outboard motors. Among these, electric outboard motors, with their significant advantages such as zero emissions, low noise, and smooth operation, are increasingly gaining a share in the small vessel propulsion market.

[0003] In the operating environment of an electric outboard motor, the propeller is in direct contact with water, which often contains various debris such as branches, rocks, and fishing nets. During navigation, the propeller inevitably suffers from impacts and entanglement with these objects. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can easily lead to corrosion and wear on the propeller; meanwhile, the motor operates under high loads for extended periods, making it susceptible to damage due to overheating, overload, or electrical malfunctions. Damage to both the propeller and motor can affect the normal operation of the electric outboard motor, and may even cause malfunctions, compromising the safety of navigation. Therefore, it is essential to promptly repair or replace damaged propellers or motors.

[0004] Traditional electric outboard motors connect the motor and propeller via a drive shaft, resulting in a complex connection that is difficult to disassemble. When the propeller or motor requires repair or replacement, maintenance personnel often need to remove the entire electric outboard motor from the vessel. Due to the large size and weight of electric outboard motors, the transportation process is extremely cumbersome, increasing the difficulty and cost of maintenance work. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an electric outboard motor that can reduce maintenance difficulty and cost.

[0006] The technical solution provided in this application is described below: This application provides an electric outboard motor, comprising: The unit comprises an outdoor unit body, a motor housing, a motor, and a propeller. The motor is sealed inside the motor housing, and the output shaft of the motor passes through the motor housing and is connected to the propeller. The motor housing is detachably connected to the lower part of the outdoor unit body, and the outdoor unit body and the motor are electrically connected via a waterproof electrical connector.

[0007] Optionally, the outdoor unit body is provided with a control module and a battery compartment, the battery compartment is used to place the battery, and the control module is electrically connected to the battery and the motor respectively.

[0008] Optionally, the waterproof connector includes a first connector disposed at the bottom of the outdoor unit body and a second connector disposed at the top of the motor housing. The first connector is electrically connected to the control module, and the second connector is electrically connected to the motor, so that when the motor housing is connected to the outdoor unit body, the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected.

[0009] Optionally, the second connector is a conductive block, and a conductive spring is provided at one end of the conductive block opposite to the first connector. The conductive spring is electrically connected to the motor.

[0010] Optionally, the outdoor unit body and the motor housing are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection, a bolt connection, or a threaded connection.

[0011] Optionally, a sealing ring is provided between the outdoor unit body and the motor housing.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom of the outdoor unit body is provided with a recessed groove, the top of the motor housing is provided with a protrusion that matches the recessed groove, and the sealing ring is disposed in the recessed groove. When the motor housing is connected to the outdoor unit body, the protrusion is embedded in the recessed groove.

[0013] Optionally, an external motor clamp is provided on the side of the external motor body, which is used to fix the external motor body to the vessel.

[0014] Optionally, the motor housing is provided with a removable rear cover, which is located at the end of the motor away from the propeller.

[0015] Optionally, an anti-vortex plate is provided on the motor housing, and the anti-vortex plate is located above the propeller.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this application has the following beneficial effects: This application seals the motor inside a motor housing, connects the motor's output shaft through the housing to the external propeller, and detachably connects the motor housing to the bottom of the outer unit. When the motor housing is connected to the bottom of the outer unit, the outer unit and the motor are electrically connected via a waterproof electrical connector. Thus, when the motor or propeller needs to be replaced or repaired, the motor housing can be removed from the outer unit. Only the motor housing needs to be moved, without having to remove the outer unit from the vessel, thereby reducing the hassle of transportation and lowering the difficulty and cost of maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electric outboard motor according to this application; Figure 2This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electric outboard motor housing according to this application; Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of the motor housing in an electric outboard motor according to this application; Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the main body of an electric outboard motor according to this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a conductive spring in an electric outboard motor according to this application; Figure 6 This is an overall schematic diagram of an electric outboard motor according to this application; In the figure, the main body of the outdoor unit is 01, the motor housing is 02, the motor is 03, the propeller is 04, the control module is 05, the battery cavity is 06, the anti-eddy current plate is 07, the first connector is 08, the second connector is 09, the output shaft is 10, the conductive spring is 11, the recessed groove is 12, the convex strip is 13, the sealing ring is 14, the outdoor unit clamp is 15, the rear cover is 16, the stator is 17, and the rotor is 18. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "middle", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal" and other terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to describe the relative positional relationship between the components or parts and do not specifically limit the specific installation orientation of each component or part.

[0019] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] Furthermore, the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., drawn in the accompanying drawings of this application are only used to complement the content disclosed in the specification for those skilled in the art to understand and read, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modification to the structure, change in the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this application can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application.

[0022] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] In traditional electric outboard motors, the connection between the motor and propeller is via a drive shaft. This connection is complex and difficult to disassemble, necessitating the complete removal of the outboard motor from the vessel for repairs or replacements of the propeller or motor. This causes inconvenience during transport and increases the difficulty of maintenance. To address these issues, this application proposes an electric outboard motor that reduces maintenance difficulty and cost. The specific structure of this application is described below: See Figures 1 to 6 The electric outboard motor provided in this application includes: The unit consists of an outdoor unit body 01, a motor housing 02, a motor 03, and a propeller 04. The motor 03 is sealed inside the motor housing 02, and the output shaft 10 of the motor 03 passes through the motor housing 02 and is connected to the propeller 04. The motor housing 02 is detachably connected to the bottom of the outdoor unit body 01, and the outdoor unit body 01 and the motor 03 are electrically connected through a waterproof electrical connector.

[0024] The outdoor unit 01 integrates components such as control circuits and power management modules. The outdoor unit 01 possesses certain waterproof and corrosion-resistant properties to adapt to different aquatic working environments. The outer casing of the outdoor unit 01 can be opened for maintenance and replacement of internal components.

[0025] The main function of the motor housing 02 is to protect the motor 03. Sealing the motor 03 within the housing 02 prevents external water, dust, and debris from entering the motor 03, thus preventing these factors from damaging its performance and lifespan. For example, when navigating on water, the housing 02 can prevent seawater or river water from entering, avoiding damage to the motor 03 due to short circuits or corrosion.

[0026] Motor 03 is the power source of the electric outboard motor. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive propeller 04 to rotate, thereby generating the power to propel the boat forward. When the output shaft 10 of motor 03 drives propeller 04 to rotate, the blades of propeller 04 generate thrust in the water, propelling the boat forward.

[0027] The output shaft 10 of motor 03 passes through motor housing 02 and connects to propeller 04. In actual design, a sealing device, such as a sealing ring or oil seal, is used between the output shaft 10 and motor housing 02 to ensure that the interior of motor housing 02 remains well-sealed during the rotation of output shaft 10, preventing water and other impurities from entering. Simultaneously, the connection between output shaft 10 and propeller 04 needs to be robust and reliable to withstand the enormous torque and reaction force generated when propeller 04 rotates in water. Common connection methods include keyed connections and splined connections.

[0028] The motor housing 02 is detachably connected to the lower part of the outboard motor body 01. The detachable connection can be achieved through bolts, clips, or other methods. This detachable connection allows the motor housing 02 (along with the internal motor 03) to be easily removed from the outboard motor body 01. When the motor 03 or propeller 04 malfunctions and requires repair or replacement, maintenance personnel do not need to remove the entire electric outboard motor from the vessel; they only need to remove the motor housing 02 to perform the operation, greatly simplifying the maintenance process and improving efficiency.

[0029] The outdoor unit body 01 and the motor 03 are electrically connected via a waterproof electrical connector. The waterproof electrical connector has excellent waterproof performance, ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical connection in underwater environments. During disassembly and installation of the motor housing 02 and the outdoor unit body 01, the waterproof electrical connector can be easily plugged in and out, while ensuring that no safety issues such as leakage or short circuits occur during the connection process.

[0030] In this embodiment, the motor 03 is sealed inside the motor housing 02, and the output shaft 10 of the motor 03 passes through the motor housing 02 and is connected to the external propeller 04. The motor housing 02 is detachably connected to the lower part of the outer unit body 01. When the motor housing 02 is connected to the lower part of the outer unit body 01, the outer unit body 01 and the motor 03 are electrically connected through a waterproof electrical connector. Therefore, when the motor 03 or the propeller 04 needs to be replaced or repaired, the motor housing 02 can be removed from the outer unit body 01. Only the motor housing 02 needs to be moved, without having to remove the outer unit body 01 from the ship. This reduces the inconvenience of transportation and also reduces the difficulty and cost of maintenance.

[0031] In addition, the motor 03 of a traditional electric outboard motor is placed on the water surface, and the output shaft 10 of the motor 03 is connected to the underwater propeller 04 through the drive shaft. After the motor 03 has been running for a long time and has generated heat, an additional cooling system is required to cool the motor 03. The cooling effect is not good, and the cooling system also increases the weight of the electric outboard motor. Based on this, this application places the motor 03 inside the motor housing 02, and the output shaft 10 of the motor 03 is directly connected to the propeller 04. In actual use, the motor housing 02 is partially underwater. In the water environment, the motor housing 02 and the internal motor 03 can be cooled, thereby reducing the heat generated by the motor 03 during operation and improving the service life of the motor 03.

[0032] In an optional embodiment, the outdoor unit body 01 is provided with a control module 05 and a battery cavity 06. The battery cavity 06 is used to place the battery, and the control module 05 is electrically connected to the battery and the motor 03 respectively.

[0033] The outdoor unit body 01 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant engineering plastics or aluminum alloy. Inside the outdoor unit body 01, there is a control module 05 and a battery compartment 06. The control module 05 mainly consists of a microcontroller (MCU), power drive circuit, signal processing circuit, and protection circuit. Under the operator's commands, the control module 05 can control the motor 03's start, stop, forward and reverse rotation, and speed adjustment. Simultaneously, the control module 05 also has multiple protection functions such as overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, and overheat protection. When the motor 03 experiences excessive current, abnormal voltage, or excessive temperature during operation, the control module 05 will promptly cut off the power supply to protect the motor 03 and other components from damage.

[0034] The battery is detachably connected to the battery chamber 06 for easy battery replacement. The internal space of the battery chamber 06 is designed according to the specifications of the batteries used, capable of accommodating a certain number and size of batteries, and providing stable support and fixation for the batteries.

[0035] In this embodiment, the battery and the battery chamber 06 are also detachably connected, so the backup power can be replaced at any time during the voyage to increase the voyage range.

[0036] The control module 05 is connected to the battery via a wire with a plug. The battery has a slot that matches the plug. After placing the battery in the battery compartment 06, inserting the plug into the slot establishes an electrical connection between the battery and the control module 05. The control module 05 is electrically connected to the motor 03 via a waterproof electrical connector. In fact, the battery and the motor 03 are also electrically connected via a waterproof electrical connector.

[0037] In this optional embodiment, the waterproof connector includes a first connector 08 disposed at the bottom of the outdoor unit body 01 and a second connector 09 disposed at the top of the motor housing 02. The first connector 08 is electrically connected to the control module 05, and the second connector 09 is electrically connected to the motor 03, so that when the motor housing 02 is connected to the outdoor unit body 01, the first connector 08 and the second connector 09 are electrically connected.

[0038] The first connector 08 is located at the bottom of the outer unit body 01, ensuring accurate alignment with the second connector 09 when the motor housing 02 is connected to the outer unit body 01. The first connector 08 is securely fixed to the outer unit body 01 via threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, or welding, preventing loosening due to vibration during vessel navigation. The first connector 08 is conductive, having an electrical connection with the control module 05 and the battery. When in contact with the second connector 09, current can flow between the first connector 08 and the second connector 09.

[0039] The second connector 09 is located on the top of the motor housing 02, corresponding to the position of the first connector 08. Specifically, the first connector 08 has conductive pins, and the second connector 09 has conductive sockets. The conductive pins and conductive sockets are positioned correspondingly, and both are made of conductive material, such as copper. When the motor housing 02 is connected to the outdoor unit body 01, the conductive pins are inserted into the conductive sockets to achieve current conduction between the first connector 08 and the second connector 09.

[0040] The sealing method between the first connector 08 and the second connector 09 can be achieved by setting a sealing ring. The sealing ring is set on the periphery of the first connector 08. When the motor housing 02 is connected to the outdoor unit body 01, the sealing ring will be squeezed to achieve the sealing of the connection between the first connector 08 and the second connector 09.

[0041] Unlike the connection method where the conductive pins of the first connector 08 are inserted into the conductive sockets of the second connector 09, both the first connector 08 and the second connector 09 can be configured as conductive blocks. The contact surfaces between the conductive blocks are flat and smooth, allowing current to flow when they come into contact. For details, please refer to the following documentation. Figure 5 In this optional embodiment, the second connector is a conductive block, and a conductive spring 11 is provided at the end of the conductive block opposite to the first connector 08. The conductive spring 11 is electrically connected to the motor 03.

[0042] Both the first connector 08 and the second connector 09 are conductive blocks. The conductive block of the first connector 08 is embedded in the bottom of the outdoor unit body 01, and the end facing the second connector 09 is exposed, while the end facing away from the second connector 09 is electrically connected to the battery and control module 05.

[0043] The conductive block, serving as the second connector 09, is set to an active state. Specifically, one end of the conductive block, serving as the second connector 09, is exposed outside the motor housing 02, while the other end (the end opposite to the first connector 08) is embedded in the motor housing 02. A conductive spring 11 is provided at this end, and the conductive spring 11 is always in contact with the conductive block (second connector 09). When the motor housing 02 is assembled onto the outdoor unit body 01, the two conductive blocks initially come into contact. During the locking process between the motor housing 02 and the outdoor unit body 01, the conductive block, serving as the second connector 09, is gradually compressed and moved towards the conductive spring 11, so that the conductive spring 11 is in a compressed state. In this embodiment, by providing the conductive spring 11, the conductive block, serving as the second connector 09, is kept in constant contact with the conductive block, serving as the first connector 08, ensuring current conduction.

[0044] It should be noted that even if the motor housing 02 is removed from the main body 01 of the outdoor unit, the conductive block, which serves as the second connector 09, will not detach from the motor housing 02. The second connector 09 is connected to the motor 03 via a wire.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the outdoor unit body 01 and the motor housing 02 are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection, a bolt connection, or a threaded connection.

[0046] In this embodiment, regardless of whether a snap-fit ​​connection, bolt connection, or threaded connection is used, it is necessary to ensure the accurate alignment and connection of the first connector 08 and the second connector 09 to ensure the current conduction between the second connector 09 and the first connector 08.

[0047] In addition to setting a sealing ring around the first connector 08, to ensure waterproof performance, an additional sealing treatment can be added at the connection between the outdoor unit body 01 and the motor housing 02, as detailed below: In an optional embodiment, a sealing ring 14 is provided between the outdoor unit body 01 and the motor housing 02. The sealing ring 14 deforms under the pressure of the outdoor unit body 01 and the motor housing 02, and after deformation, it blocks the gap between the outdoor unit body 01 and the motor housing 02, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the outdoor unit body 01 and the motor housing 02. This ensures that no water enters the connection area between the first connector 08 and the second connector 09 from the connection between the outdoor unit body 01 and the motor housing 02, thus improving the sealing performance.

[0048] Please continue reading. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this optional embodiment, the bottom of the outdoor unit body 01 is provided with a recessed groove 12, the top of the motor housing 02 is provided with a protrusion 13 that matches the recessed groove 12, and the sealing ring 14 is provided in the recessed groove 12. When the motor housing 02 is connected to the outdoor unit body 01, the protrusion 13 is embedded in the recessed groove 12.

[0049] The sealing ring 14 is made of a material with good elasticity and sealing performance, such as rubber or silicone. The sealing ring 14 is placed in the recessed groove 12 at the bottom of the outdoor unit body 01. Its initial state has a certain degree of relaxation so that it can generate sufficient elastic deformation when the protrusion 13 of the motor housing 02 is inserted, filling the gap between the protrusion 13 and the recessed groove 12. When the motor housing 02 is connected to the outdoor unit body 01, the protrusion 13 on the top of the motor housing 02 is accurately inserted into the recessed groove 12 at the bottom of the outdoor unit body 01. As the protrusion 13 is inserted, the sealing ring 14 is compressed and undergoes elastic deformation, tightly adhering to the surfaces of the protrusion 13 and the recessed groove 12, forming a sealing barrier to prevent moisture from entering.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, an external motor clamp 15 is provided on the side of the external motor body 01, which is used to fix the external motor body 01 to the vessel.

[0051] In this embodiment, the function of the outboard motor clamp 15 is to firmly fix the outboard motor body 01 to the vessel, ensuring that the electric outboard motor will not loosen or fall off due to water flow impact, hull swaying or other factors during the vessel's navigation, thus ensuring the stable operation of the equipment and the navigation safety of the vessel.

[0052] In an optional embodiment, the motor housing 02 is provided with a removable rear cover 16, which is located at the end of the motor 03 away from the propeller 04.

[0053] A removable rear cover 16 is provided on the motor housing 02, which facilitates the inspection, maintenance, and replacement of internal components of the motor 03. During the operation of the motor 03, various faults may occur, such as damage to the motor 03 windings or bearing wear. By removing the rear cover 16, these faults can be dealt with quickly and conveniently, improving the maintenance efficiency and reliability of the equipment.

[0054] The rear cover 16 is provided with a sealing strip or gasket on its edge to prevent moisture and dust from entering the motor 03. The rear cover 16 is also provided with fixing devices, such as bolts and clips, to securely fix the rear cover 16 to the motor housing 02.

[0055] Within the motor housing 02, the motor 03 mainly consists of a stator 17, a rotor 18, and an output shaft 10. The stator 17 comprises an iron core and coils wound around it. The iron core is made of laminated thin silicon steel sheets with high permeability and low loss, and its surface is coated with an insulating layer. Permanent magnets are embedded in the surface of the rotor 18. When the three-phase windings on the stator 17 are energized, a rotating magnetic field is generated. When the magnetic poles of the permanent magnets on the rotor 18 are not perfectly aligned with the magnetic poles of this rotating magnetic field, an electromagnetic torque is generated. This torque drives the rotor 18 to rotate. When the rotor 18 rotates, it drives the drive shaft connected to it to rotate as well, which in turn drives the propeller 04 to rotate.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, an anti-vortex plate 07 is provided on the motor housing 02, and the anti-vortex plate 07 is located above the propeller 04.

[0057] The anti-vortex plate 07 and the motor housing 02 are integrally formed. When the electric outboard motor is running, the high-speed rotation of the propeller 04 generates vortices around it. These vortices increase water resistance and reduce the propulsion efficiency of the propeller 04. This embodiment reduces the vortices generated above the propeller 04 by incorporating the anti-vortex plate 07, improving water flow and increasing the propulsion efficiency of the propeller 04.

Claims

1. An electric outboard motor, characterized in that, include: The unit consists of an outdoor unit body (01), a motor housing (02), a motor (03), and a propeller (04). The motor (03) is sealed inside the motor housing (02), and the output shaft (10) of the motor (03) passes through the motor housing (02) and is connected to the propeller (04). The motor housing (02) is detachably connected to the lower part of the outdoor unit body (01), and the outdoor unit body (01) and the motor (03) are electrically connected through a waterproof electrical connector.

2. The electric outboard motor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (01) of the outdoor unit is provided with a control module (05) and a battery cavity (06). The battery cavity (06) is used to place the battery. The control module (05) is electrically connected to the battery cavity (06) and the motor (03) respectively.

3. The electric outboard motor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The waterproof electrical connector includes a first connector (08) disposed at the bottom of the outdoor unit body (01) and a second connector (09) disposed at the top of the motor housing (02). The first connector (08) is electrically connected to the control module (05), and the second connector (09) is electrically connected to the motor (03). Thus, when the motor housing (02) is connected to the outdoor unit body (01), the first connector (08) and the second connector (09) are electrically connected.

4. The electric outboard motor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connector (09) is a conductive block, and a conductive spring (11) is provided on one end of the conductive block opposite to the first connector (08). The conductive spring (11) is electrically connected to the motor (03).

5. The electric outboard motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The outdoor unit body (01) and the motor housing (02) are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection, a bolt connection, or a threaded connection.

6. The electric outboard motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A sealing ring (14) is provided between the outdoor unit body (01) and the motor housing (02).

7. The electric outboard motor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the outdoor unit body (01) is provided with a recessed groove (12), and the top of the motor housing (02) is provided with a protrusion (13) that matches the recessed groove (12). The sealing ring (14) is disposed in the recessed groove (12). When the motor housing (02) is connected to the outdoor unit body (01), the protrusion (13) is embedded in the recessed groove (12).

8. The electric outboard motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The side of the outer unit body (01) is provided with an outer unit clamp (15), which is used to fix the outer unit body (01) to the ship.

9. The electric outboard motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The motor housing (02) is provided with a removable rear cover (16), which is located at the end of the motor (03) away from the propeller (04).

10. The electric outboard motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An anti-vortex plate (07) is provided on the motor housing (02), and the anti-vortex plate (07) is located above the propeller (04).

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