ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTOR

Abstract

Electric outboard motor (1) which features: an electric motor (8) arranged in an upper section; a propeller (12) arranged in a lower section; a drive shaft (9) extending in an up-down direction to transmit rotation of the electric motor (8) to the propeller (12); and a housing (7) comprising an upper housing section (19) which accommodates the electric motor (8) and a lower housing section (20) which accommodates the drive shaft (9), wherein the upper housing section (19) includes a rear extension (34) which extends rearward relative to the lower housing section (20), characterized in that a shoulder pad element (35), which is an element separate from the housing (7), is arranged on a bottom side (34a) of the rear extension (34), and a handle element (36), which is an element separate from the housing (7), is arranged on a part of the lower housing section (20) with a lower distance from the upper housing section (19).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric outboard motor in which an electric motor is installed as a drive source. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, electric outboard motors have become attractive due to their minimal environmental impact. Unlike combustion engine outboard motors, for example, electric outboard motors do not emit exhaust fumes into the water, thus reducing their environmental footprint.

[0003] JP 2005 - 153 727 A shows an electric outboard motor according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] US 2009 / 0017706A1 shows an outboard motor with an internal combustion engine and a shoulder pad element. The apex of the shoulder pad element is located slightly below the center of gravity.

[0005] For example, JP 2011-213220A discloses an electric outboard motor in which an electric motor is arranged vertically from a gearbox housing containing gears to convert the electric motor's power into propulsion for the hull. The electric outboard motor is attached to the hull via a mounting bracket, and after use, it is removed for storage. This electric outboard motor incorporates a carrying handle located between the electric motor and the gearbox housing to facilitate transport. The carrying handle is U-shaped and positioned behind the pivoting mounting bracket.When transporting the electric outboard motor with its longitudinal direction horizontal, this allows the user to hold a portion close to the center of gravity of the electric outboard motor.

[0006] JP 2013-39890A discloses an electric outboard motor in which the carrying handle, used for transporting the electric outboard motor, is attached to a rear end section of the underside of a lower housing of the electric drive motor and projects rearward from the electric drive motor. In this electric outboard motor, the carrying handle is located near the electric drive motor, which is the heaviest component of the outboard motor's main body. The carrying handle has an approximately rectangular, ring-shaped form in plan view.

[0007] However, when transporting the electric outboard motor to its storage location or similar using the aforementioned conventional techniques, it is necessary to lift the motor by grasping the carrying handle with one hand. Therefore, transport is difficult for a person with a weak grip. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In light of the foregoing background, the object of the present invention is to provide an electric outboard motor that can be easily transported even by a person with a weak grip.

[0009] To solve the above problem, an electric outboard motor according to claim 1 is specified.

[0010] When transporting the electric outboard motor according to the invention, the user can lift the electric outboard motor by placing the upper housing section on their shoulder so that the shoulder pad element makes contact with the shoulder. Therefore, even if the user has a weak grip, they can easily transport the electric outboard motor.

[0011] Furthermore, a handle element, which is a separate element from the housing, is arranged on a part of the lower housing section at a lower distance from the upper housing section.

[0012] When transporting the electric outboard motor, the user can grip the handle with one hand. Therefore, the user can lift the electric outboard motor stably.

[0013] Preferably, the shoulder pad element has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than that of the housing.

[0014] According to this aspect, it puts less pressure on the shoulder when the user lifts the electric outboard motor.

[0015] Preferably, the underside of the rear extension is connected to a rear of the lower housing section via a curved surface, and the shoulder pad element is provided such that it extends from the underside to the curved surface.

[0016] According to this aspect, if the electric outboard motor sways while the user lifts the electric outboard motor, the shock exerted on the user by the electric outboard motor will be reduced.

[0017] Preferably, the shoulder pad element extends over a first dimension in the top-bottom direction and extends over a second dimension, which is larger than the first dimension, in a front-back direction.

[0018] Since, according to this aspect, the shoulder pad element is longer in the front-back direction than in the top-bottom direction, it is easy for the user to carry the electric outboard motor on their shoulder.

[0019] Preferably, the shoulder pad element extends to the rear end of the rear extension.

[0020] Even if, according to this design, the electric outboard motor slides forward while the user is carrying it on their shoulder, the upper housing section is prevented from resting directly on the shoulder. Therefore, the user can lift the electric outboard motor stably.

[0021] Preferably, the handle element has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than that of the housing.

[0022] In this respect, the user can easily grasp the handle. The hand gripping the handle also does not easily slip. Therefore, the user can lift the electric outboard motor stably.

[0023] Preferably, the handle element is made of a flat material that is provided along a surface of the lower housing section and has a surface formed with irregularities.

[0024] According to this aspect, the hand gripping the handle does not easily slip. Therefore, the user can lift the electric outboard motor stably.

[0025] Preferably, the lower housing section has at least one projecting section that projects in a horizontal direction above and / or below the handle element.

[0026] According to this aspect, the user can easily identify the position of the handle. Even if the hand gripping the handle slips, it is prevented from releasing the hand from the handle.

[0027] Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, an electric outboard motor can be specified which can also be easily transported by a person with a weak grip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of an electric outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the electric outboard motor; Fig. 3 is a side view of the electric outboard motor in its transport state; and Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of the electric outboard motor in transport condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the following, an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating directions such as front, rear, top, bottom, etc., are applied on the basis of a state of use in which an electric outboard motor 1 is mounted on a hull 2.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of the electric outboard motor 1, and Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the electric outboard motor 1. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the electric outboard motor 1 is detachably mounted at the stern of the hull 2, specifically on the transom 3, to propel the hull 2 ​​according to the operator's control. The electric outboard motor 1 is powered by electrical energy supplied by a battery (not shown) located in the hull 2.

[0030] The electric outboard motor 1 comprises an outboard motor body 5 and a mounting device 6 for attaching the outboard motor body 5 to the hull 2. The outboard motor body 5 includes a main housing 7, an electric motor 8, a drive shaft 9, a gearbox 10, a propeller shaft 11, a propeller 12, a control device 13, an input device 14, and a handle 15. The mounting device 6 includes a clamping bracket 16, a tilting mechanism 17, and a swiveling mechanism 18. These components of the electric outboard motor 1 are described below.

[0031] The main body housing 7 is made of metallic material or a rigid plastic material with predetermined stiffness. The main body housing 7 comprises an upper housing section 19, which is arranged at the top, and a lower housing section 20, which is arranged below the upper housing section 19. The upper housing section 19 and the lower housing section 20 can be made of the same material or of different materials. The upper housing section 19 has a hollow shape, is flat in the top-bottom direction, and elongated in the front-back direction. The upper housing section 19 accommodates the electric motor 8 and the control device 13. The lower housing section 20 has a hollow shape, is elongated in the top-bottom direction. The lower housing section 20 accommodates the drive shaft 9 and the transmission device 10.

[0032] A lower section of the lower housing section 20 is integrated with a gearbox housing 21 that accommodates the gearbox 10, and an anti-cavitation plate 22 is integrated above the gearbox housing 21. The gearbox housing 21 has a projectile shape that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction and laterally convex relative to the lower housing section 20. The anti-cavitation plate 22 has a plate shape that extends horizontally and outwards to cover the propeller 12 from above.

[0033] The electric motor 8 is a drive source for rotating the propeller 12 and can, for example, be a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The electric motor 8 is mounted in a front section of the upper housing section 19 such that its output shaft extends vertically downwards. In this position, the electric motor 8 has a flat shape, the horizontal dimension of which is greater than its height dimension.

[0034] The drive shaft 9 extends in the top-bottom direction beneath the electric motor 8. The upper end section of the drive shaft 9 is connected to the output shaft of the electric motor 8. The lower end section of the drive shaft 9 is integrated with a drive gear 23, which consists of a first bevel gear. The drive shaft 9 is rotatably mounted in the lower housing section 20 by a pair of upper and lower bearings.

[0035] The propeller shaft 11 extends horizontally beneath the drive shaft 9. The axial direction of the propeller shaft 11 coincides with the horizontal direction. The front section of the propeller shaft 11 is housed within the gearbox 21 and is rotatably mounted there by a pair of front and rear bearings. The front end section of the propeller shaft 11 incorporates an output gear 24, which consists of a second bevel gear and meshes with the input gear 23. The propeller shaft 11 passes through a bearing hole in the gearbox 21 and extends rearward from the gearbox 21, so that it is exposed outside the main body housing 7.

[0036] The gear assembly 10 is configured to include the drive gear 23, which is located at the lower end of the drive shaft 9, and the output gear 24, which is located at the front end of the propeller shaft 11. The rotation of the drive shaft 9 is transmitted to the propeller shaft 11 via the gear assembly 10.

[0037] The propeller 12 is attached to the outer circumference of a rear section of the propeller shaft 11. The propeller 12 is positioned further aft than the rear end section of the gearbox housing 21 and is exposed to the outside of the main body housing 7. Several blades 25 project radially from the outer circumferential surface of the propeller 12.

[0038] The control device 13 is composed of a power control unit (PCU). The control device 13 is connected to the battery provided in the fuselage 2 via a cable 26. The control device 13 is also connected to the input device 14. According to an operating signal input from the input device 14, the control device 13 supplies electrical energy to the electric motor 8 and controls the operation of the propeller 12.

[0039] The input device 14 is a device for receiving input from the user and is integrated into the upper housing section 19 of the outboard motor main body. In the present embodiment, the input device 14 includes a pivoting handle 27, which is pivotable about a laterally extending axis on the upper housing section 19, and a throttle handle 28, which is provided at the free end of the pivoting handle 27. The pivoting handle 27 is arranged in a position in which it projects forward during operation. When stowed, the pivoting handle 27 is pivoted rearward to a position in which it extends along the upper housing section 19.

[0040] When the throttle handle 28 is turned in one direction, the control device 13 supplies electrical energy to the electric motor 8, causing the propeller 12 to rotate in the forward direction with a torque equal to the amount of rotation. When the throttle handle 28 is turned in the other direction, the control device 13 supplies electrical energy to the electric motor 8, causing the propeller 12 to rotate in a reverse direction with a torque equal to the amount of rotation.

[0041] The handle 15 is integrated into the upper housing section 19 such that it projects forward from the front section of the upper housing section 19. The handle 15 is designed to provide a stable hold for the electric outboard motor 1 when it is attached to or detached from the hull 2. In plan view, the handle 15 has an approximately ring-shaped form ( Fig. 2).

[0042] The clamping bracket 16 is a support for attaching the outboard motor main body 5 to the hull 2 ​​and rotatably holds a pair of left and right clamping bolts 29 in its front section. The clamping bracket 16 rotatably supports a laterally extending tilting shaft 30 in its front upper section and forms part of the tilting mechanism 17. The electric outboard motor 1 is detachably attached to the hull by means of the clamping bracket 16.

[0043] The tilting mechanism 17 is a mechanism for rotating the outboard motor main body 5 relative to the clamping bracket 16, with the tilting shaft 30 serving as a pivot point. The tilting mechanism 17 includes a pivoting bracket 31, which is rotatably mounted on the clamping bracket 16 via the tilting shaft 30. The pivoting bracket 31 rotatably holds a pivoting shaft 32, which extends in the vertical direction. The electric outboard motor 1 is mounted on the hull so as to pivot up and down around the tilting shaft 30.

[0044] The swivel mechanism 18 is a mechanism for rotating the outboard motor main body 5 relative to the swivel support 31, with the swivel shaft 32 serving as a pivot point. In addition to the swivel shaft 32, the swivel mechanism 18 includes a pair of upper and lower shaft bearings 33, which are integrated into the main body housing 7 to support the upper and lower ends of the swivel shaft 32. The electric outboard motor 1 is mounted on the hull 2 ​​so that it can swivel left and right around the swivel shaft 32.

[0045] The upper housing section 19 is larger in plan view than the lower housing section 20 and projects radially from the upper end of the lower housing section 20 in the circumferential direction. The amount of the radial projection of the upper housing section 19 from the upper end of the lower housing section 20 is greatest at the rear. This is because the upper housing section 19 extends further rearward relative to the lower housing section 20 than in the other directions. Hereinafter, the portion of the upper housing section 19 that extends rearward relative to the lower housing section 20 is referred to as the rear extension 34.

[0046] The upper end section of the lower housing section 20 diverges in the upward direction and is smoothly connected to the upper housing section 19. A rear surface 20a of the lower housing section 20 and a bottom surface 34a of the rear extension 34 are smoothly connected to each other via a curved surface 20b.

[0047] The underside 34a of the rear extension 34 of the upper housing section 19 is provided with a shoulder pad element 35, which is a separate element from the upper housing section 19. The shoulder pad element 35 is made of a material whose modulus of elasticity is lower than that of the material of the upper housing section 19. The shoulder pad element 35 can be made, for example, of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, urethane rubber, or the like. The shoulder pad material 35 is made of a strip-shaped flat material whose front-to-back dimension is longer than its width dimension and is connected to the main body housing 9 by suitable fasteners such as adhesive or a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0048] The shoulder pad element 35 is designed to extend from the underside 34a of the rear extension 34, across the curved surface 20b, to the rear 20a of the lower housing section 20. The shoulder pad element 35 also extends from the side of the curved surface 20b to the rear end of the rear extension 34. The shoulder pad element 35 also extends in the top-bottom direction, but further in the front-back direction. Specifically, the shoulder pad element 35 extends over a first dimension D1 in the top-bottom direction and over a second dimension D2, which is larger than the first dimension D1, in the front-back direction.

[0049] A handle element 36 is provided in a section of the lower housing section 20 located in the top-bottom direction, in particular in a section between the pivoting mechanism 18 and the anti-cavitation plate 22. The handle element 36 is a separate element from the lower housing section 20. It is made of a material whose modulus of elasticity is lower than that of the material of the lower housing section 20. The handle element 36 can be made, for example, of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, urethane rubber, or the like.

[0050] The lower housing section 20 has an elliptical, flat cross-sectional shape. The handle element 36 is made of a flat material and has a forward-convex arc shape, covering a front section of the lower housing section 20. In another embodiment, the handle element 36 can be configured to cover a rear section of the lower housing section 20 or the entire circumference of the lower housing section 20. Irregularities 36a are formed on one surface (outer surface with arc-shaped cross-section) of the handle element 36. The handle element 36 is connected to the main body housing 7 by suitable fasteners, such as adhesive or a snap-fit.

[0051] The handle element 36 is arranged in a position at a distance from the pivoting mechanism 18 and the anti-cavitation plate 22. On parts of the lower housing section 20 above and below the handle element 36, in particular on the part between the handle element 36 and the pivoting mechanism 18 and on the part between the handle element 36 and the anti-cavitation plate 22, arcuate projection sections 37 are integrated and project forward.

[0052] The electric outboard motor 1 is configured as described above. Now, a transport mode for the electric outboard motor 1 is defined with regard to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described.

[0053] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figures 4 show a side view and a front view of the electric outboard motor 1 in its transport state. As shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the electric outboard motor 1 can be removed from the hull 2 ​​after the trip and then transported to its storage location. Once stored, the electric outboard motor 1 is transported to the hull 2 ​​for reattachment when the trip begins.

[0054] As described above, the upper housing section 19 has a rear extension 34. Therefore, if, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when transporting the electric outboard motor 1, the user can place the rear extension 34 on their shoulder so that the lower housing section 20 is positioned in front of the user's body. Preferably, the user grasps the handle element 36, causing the lower housing section 20 to contact the front of their body. By lifting the electric outboard motor 1 in this way, the user does not need to carry its weight with their hands. In other words, the muscular effort required by the arms and hands to transport the electric outboard motor 1 is reduced. Therefore, even a person with weak grip strength can easily transport the electric outboard motor 1, thus improving its portability.

[0055] Incidentally, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the electric outboard motor 1 can be lifted and transported in a position in which the lower housing section 20 extends vertically, namely, the propeller 12 is positioned under the shoulder on which the upper housing section 19 rests. Alternatively, as ... Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the electric outboard motor 1 is lifted and transported in a position in which the lower housing section 20 extends diagonally in front of the user's body, namely the propeller 12 is located under the shoulder on the side opposite the shoulder on which the upper housing section 19 lies.

[0056] The following describes the operating modes and effects of the electric outboard motor 1 according to the design.

[0057] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, in the present embodiment the shoulder pad element 35, which is a separate element from the main body housing 7, is provided on the underside 34a of the rear extension 34 of the upper housing section 19. Therefore, when transporting the electric outboard motor 1, the user can lift the electric outboard motor 1 by placing the upper housing section 19 on their shoulder so that the shoulder pad element 35 makes contact with the shoulder. Even if the user has a weak grip, they can therefore easily transport the electric outboard motor 1.

[0058] Since the shoulder pad element 35 has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than that of the upper housing section 19, it exerts less pressure on the shoulder while the user lifts the electric outboard motor 1.

[0059] The rear 20a of the lower housing section 20 and the underside 34a of the rear extension 34 are connected to each other via the curved surface 20b, and the shoulder pad element 35 extends from the underside 34a of the rear extension 34 to the curved surface 20b. Therefore, if the electric outboard motor 1 sways while the user lifts the electric outboard motor 1, any shock exerted on the user by the electric outboard motor 1 is reduced.

[0060] The shoulder pad element 35 extends over a first dimension D1 in the top-bottom direction and over a second dimension D2, which is larger than the first dimension D1, in the front-back direction. Specifically, the shoulder pad element 35 is longer in the front-back direction than in the top-bottom direction. Therefore, it is easy for the user to carry the electric outboard motor 1 on their shoulder.

[0061] The shoulder pad element 35 extends to the rear end of the rear extension 34. Therefore, even if the electric outboard motor 1 slides forward while the user is carrying it on their shoulder, the upper housing section 19 is prevented from resting directly on the shoulder. This allows the user to lift the electric outboard motor 1 stably.

[0062] The handle element 36, which is a separate element from the main body housing 7, is located on a part of the lower housing section 20, spaced further away from the upper housing section 19. Therefore, when transporting the electric outboard motor 1, the user can grasp the handle element 36 with one hand. This allows the user to lift the electric outboard motor 1 stably.

[0063] The handle element 36 has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than that of the lower housing section 20. This makes it easy for the user to grasp the handle element 36. The hand gripping the handle element 36 also does not easily slip off. Therefore, the user can lift the electric outboard motor 1 stably.

[0064] The handle element 36 is made of a flat material that runs along the outer surface of the lower housing section 20 and has a surface formed with irregularities 36a. Therefore, the hand gripping the handle element 36 does not easily slip off. Thus, the user can lift the electric outboard motor 1 stably.

[0065] The lower housing section 20 has at least one of the projecting sections 37, which extend horizontally above and below the handle element 36. This allows the user to easily identify the position of the handle element 36. Even if the hand gripping the handle element 36 slips, it prevents the hand from detaching from the handle element 36.

[0066] The foregoing describes a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and can be modified or altered in numerous ways. For example, in the embodiment described above, the upper housing section 19 accommodates the electric motor 8 and the control device 13, but the control device 13 can also be located outside the outboard motor main body 5. The shoulder pad element 35 and the handle element 36 need only be elements separate from the main body housing 7 and can also be made of the same material as the main body housing 7. Furthermore, the specific structure, arrangement, number, material, angle, etc., of each element or part described in the embodiment described above can be modified as required without departing from the concept of the present invention.Furthermore, not all of the components shown in the preceding explanation are absolutely necessary and they can be used selectively as required.

[0067] An electric outboard motor comprises: an electric motor 8 arranged in an upper section; a propeller 12 arranged in a lower section; a drive shaft 9 extending in an up-down direction to transmit rotation of the electric motor 8 to the propeller 12; and a housing 7 comprising an upper housing section 19, which accommodates the electric motor 8, and a lower housing section 20, which accommodates the drive shaft 9. The upper housing section 19 includes a rear extension 34 extending aft relative to the lower housing section 20, and a shoulder pad element 35, which is a separate element from the housing 7, is provided on a bottom surface 34a of the rear extension 34. Reference symbol list 1 outboard motor 2 Hull 3 Mirror board 5 Outboard motor main body 6 Mounting device 7 Main body casing 8 Electric motor 9 Drive shaft 10 Gearbox device 11 Propeller shaft 12 propellers 13 Control device 14 Input device 15 handles 16 clamping brackets 17 Tilting mechanism 18 Swivel mechanism 19 upper housing section 20 lower housing section 20a Rear of the lower housing section 20b curved surface 21 Gearbox housing 22 Anticavitation plate 23 Drive gear 24 Output gear 25 propeller blades 26 cables 27 Swivel handle 28 Throttle grip 29 clamping bolts 30 Tilting shaft 31 swivel brackets 32 Swivel shaft 33 shaft bearings 34 rear extension 34a Underside of the rear extension 35 shoulder pad elements 36 Handle element 37 lead sections D1 First dimension D2 Second dimension

Claims

[1] Electric outboard motor (1) which has: an electric motor (8) arranged in an upper section; a propeller (12) arranged in a lower section; a drive shaft (9) extending in an up-down direction to transmit rotation of the electric motor (8) to the propeller (12); and a housing (7) comprising an upper housing section (19) which accommodates the electric motor (8) and a lower housing section (20) which accommodates the drive shaft (9), wherein the upper housing section (19) includes a rear extension (34) which extends rearward relative to the lower housing section (20), characterized by, that a shoulder pad element (35), which is an element separate from the housing (7), is arranged on a bottom (34a) of the rear extension (34), and a handle element (36), which is an element separate from the housing (7), is arranged on a part of the lower housing section (20) with a lower distance from the upper housing section (19). [2] The electric outboard motor (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder pad element (35) has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than that of the housing (7). [3] The electric outboard motor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the underside (34a) of the rear extension (34) is connected to a rear (20a) of the lower housing section (20) via a curved surface (20b), and the shoulder pad element (35) is arranged such that it extends from the underside (34a) to the curved surface (20b). [4] The electric outboard motor (1) according to claim 3, wherein the shoulder pad element (35) extends over a first dimension (D1) in the top-bottom direction and extends over a second dimension (D2) which is larger than the first dimension (D1) in a front-back direction. [5] The electric outboard motor (1) according to claim 4, wherein the shoulder pad element (35) extends to a rear end of the rear extension (34). [6] The electric outboard motor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electric outboard motor (1) further comprises a mounting device (6) for attaching the housing (7) to a hull (2), wherein the lower housing section (20) has an elliptical, flat cross-sectional shape, and wherein the handle element (36) is made of a flat material, has a forward convex arc shape and covers a front portion of the lower housing section (20). [7] The electric outboard motor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the handle element (36) has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than that of the housing (7). [8] The electric outboard motor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the handle element (36) is made of a flat material which is arranged along a surface of the lower housing section (20) and has a surface formed with irregularities (36a). [9] The electric outboard motor (1) according to claim 8, wherein the lower housing section (20) has at least one projecting section (37) which projects in a horizontal direction above and / or below the handle element (36).

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