Outboard motor connection system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an outboard motor, in particular with an improved and simplified connection system for a shaft head and a battery of an electrically powered boat. Accordingly, an outboard motor for a boat is proposed, comprising a shaft head (10) defining a longitudinal axis and a housing of a battery (30) that can be detachably connected to the shaft head (10). The shaft head (10) has guides for connecting the housing (32) of the battery (30), with guide elements extending from one end region of the housing (32). The guide elements are arranged such that they engage with a respective guide when the housing (32) is connected to the shaft head (10).According to the invention, the guides (13) and the guide elements are designed in such a way that the housing (32) is first pivoted on the shaft head (10) for connection to the shaft head (10) and then pushed relative to the shaft head (10), wherein the housing (32) and the shaft head (10) each have an electrical connection element (22) which is arranged in such a way that they are electrically conductively connected to one another by the sliding movement when the housing (32) is connected to the shaft head (10).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to an outboard motor, in particular to a connection system for a shaft head and a housing of a battery of an outboard motor for an electrically powered boat. State of the art

[0002] Electric boats often use outboard motors, which are attached to the transom or stern of the boat. The shaft, which has a shaft head at one long end and a propeller at the opposite long end, is usually first attached to the transom of the boat using toggle screws. A tiller and a battery housing are then connected to the shaft head.

[0003] This makes it easier to assemble or disassemble the outboard motor, and also allows components to be removed without completely disassembling the outboard motor. For example, the tiller and battery housing can be removed to prevent unauthorized third parties from controlling the drive or to allow external charging and storage of the battery.

[0004] Current solutions, however, require the tiller and motor to be connected to the battery housing via individual plug connections. To ensure a watertight connection, additional union nuts must be tightened on the individual plug connections. Additionally, a latch is provided to mechanically secure the battery housing. This latch is inserted through the battery housing and the shaft head, thus ensuring a snap-in and secure attachment of the battery housing to the shaft head. Connecting the battery therefore requires numerous steps that must be performed manually and repeated, for example, if the battery is replaced.

[0005] The electrically conductive connection to a battery can still be prone to failure. To avoid damage, tensile stress and crushing of the respective cables should be avoided at all costs. Likewise, the pins of the electrical connector should be precisely aligned to prevent any possible bending of the pins, especially if excessive force is applied. Likewise, the union nuts should be fitted straight to prevent the corresponding thread from being damaged during tightening. This can make assembly cumbersome and still require two-handed support from the operator. Description of the invention

[0006] Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved and in particular simplified connection for an outboard motor.

[0007] The problem is solved by an outboard motor having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description and the figures.

[0008] Accordingly, an outboard motor for a boat is proposed, comprising a shaft head defining a longitudinal axis and a battery housing detachably connectable to the shaft head. The shaft head has guides for connecting the battery housing. Guide elements extend along one end region of the housing, wherein the guide elements are arranged such that they engage with a respective guide when the housing is connected to the shaft head.According to the invention, it is further provided that the guides and the guide elements are designed such that the housing is first pivoted on the shaft head for connection to the shaft head and then pushed relative to the shaft head, wherein the housing and the shaft head each have an electrical connection element which are arranged such that they are electrically conductively connected to one another by the sliding movement when the housing is connected to the shaft head.

[0009] The initial pivoting movement of the housing allows the battery to be easily connected to the shaft head, for example by inserting the guide elements and successively turning or rotating the housing. The subsequent sliding movement also has the particular advantage of creating a secure electrically conductive connection between the outboard motor components when the housing is connected. Advantageously, the weight of the rechargeable battery or battery does not have to be held manually. This is because, after the initial connection, the battery can then simply be pushed during the sliding movement. In this way, the connection elements in particular can be electrically connected to one another using a simple plug-in connection. The plug-in connection takes place almost automatically when the housing is connected to the shaft head.Accordingly, a wireless connection can be provided and the cumbersome screwing of union nuts, for example, can be dispensed with.

[0010] The battery housing is also understood as an outer casing, with one or more battery units arranged inside the casing. The battery or battery unit is connected to the shaft head via the casing and is not held by another container or casing. Thus, the casing is in direct contact with the environment, thus providing protection for the battery unit against direct external influences.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting elements are each arranged on the end face and are spaced apart from one another during the pivoting movement and concentrically aligned with one another during the sliding movement. This concentric alignment can further facilitate plug-in connection. The initial spacing of the connecting elements ensures that the connecting elements do not touch one another during the initial connection of the housing, thus avoiding any distortion of the corresponding contact elements, which would occur, for example, with a merely rotatable connection of a battery relative to the shaft head without successive linear displacement.

[0012] In particular, the respective end face of the housing and the shaft head can each have a single electrical connection element, which provides an electrically conductive connection for a pin and motor connectable to the shaft head. This eliminates the need for separate connections and provides a more compact design. The contact pins required for the respective electrically conductive connection can be provided in corresponding, insulated areas on the respective connection element. The connection elements are preferably designed as a socket or plug.

[0013] Because the connection elements are preferably located on the respective end faces, the connection elements can also be better protected against external influences, mechanical and / or fluidic. The shaft head is preferably enclosed by a corresponding section of the housing and is at least partially received in the housing, with the end faces in particular being surrounded or flanked by the housing. In this way, the connection elements can be concealed so that accidental contact can be avoided. Furthermore, this can provide improved protection against mechanical influences and improved fluidic sealing by effectively preventing direct interaction of the connection elements with the external environment.A seal can be provided, for example, on the corresponding end faces and / or contours, which at least surround or enclose the respective connection element. When the housing or battery is connected, the sliding movement can provide a corresponding linear contact force, which enables a secure seal between the connection elements.

[0014] Preferably, the guides are arranged on opposite sides of an outer surface of the shaft head and each defines a first connecting section and an adjacent second connecting section for the guide elements, wherein the second connecting section extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and linearly, and the first connecting section is inclined relative to the second connecting section. The first connecting section can be configured, in particular, for pivotally supporting the housing, and the second connecting section can be configured, in particular, for slidingly supporting the housing.

[0015] The design of the connecting sections enables the guide elements to initially engage with the first connecting section when connecting the housing to the shaft head due to the pivoting or rotating movement and then to be guided linearly in the second connecting section. This linear guidance, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, advantageously has the effect, among other things, of providing improved longitudinal delimitation of the guide elements and the corresponding outer casing of the battery casing, so that the casing can be mounted more securely on the shaft head. Likewise, the inclination of the first connecting section relative to the second connecting section prevents the guide elements from being easily separated from the respective guide in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] In other words, even if the guide elements are moved toward the first connecting section due to an unintentional sliding movement, a further pivoting movement at an angle to the vertical direction is required to enable decoupling of the housing from the shaft head. In this way, operation of the battery housing is also facilitated during assembly, especially since the housing can be easily coupled to the first connecting section on the shaft head via the guide elements, after which the housing is then securely held by the guide. Removal of the housing can also be made easier, with both connecting and disconnecting the housing being advantageously carried out with a single hand.

[0017] The lateral arrangement of the guides is to be understood as a lateral arrangement, meaning that the guides are not located at the longitudinal ends of the shaft head. They are therefore arranged on a respective side of the shaft head, which preferably runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The bilateral arrangement of the guides and preferably also of the guide elements can prevent an accidental inclination of the battery housing relative to the shaft head, and at the same time, the linear guide in the second connecting section provides improved support. Furthermore, this facilitates the initial connection of the battery housing to the shaft head, especially since the first connecting section of the guides already specifies a relative orientation of the battery housing for the connection to the shaft head.Advantageously, the positioning and alignment of the connection elements relative to one another can be predetermined due to the guide, wherein the second connecting section preferably enables the connection elements to be moved linearly relative to one another during connection in order to facilitate the provision of a plug connection. When connecting the housing to the shaft head, the connection elements are preferably spaced apart from one another in the guide in the first connecting section, while they are preferably aligned concentrically with one another in the guide in the second connecting section, so that they are electrically conductively connected to one another as a plug connection when the battery is connected.

[0018] Depending on the design of the guides and guide elements, the battery housing can be inserted, pushed, or plugged into or onto the shaft head. Preferably, the respective guide is designed as a groove and the respective guide element as a projection, wherein the respective groove preferably has an opening and / or widening for inserting the respective projection at the end region of the first connecting section, which is opposite the second connecting section.

[0019] The groove can be provided as a recess in the shaft head or formed as opposing walls extending from an outer surface of the shaft head, wherein the groove is preferably dimensioned such that a respective projection is delimited by the groove. The groove is preferably designed such that a respective projection, particularly in the second connecting section or during the sliding movement, can be moved exclusively linearly, and rotation or lateral movement of the projection is prevented.

[0020] The projection is preferably substantially semicircular, block-shaped or pin-shaped and can be dimensioned accordingly as a so-called spring for the groove.

[0021] The opening can be provided at an end of the first connecting section, which is opposite an end adjacent to the second connecting section in the guide direction. Preferably, the opening is enlarged or widened, so that the opening is provided at a corresponding end region and, for example, a corresponding recess is provided in a lower wall section of the groove. The opening and / or the first connecting section can, in particular, be adjacent to an end face of the shaft head in order to facilitate coupling to the guide elements or to the battery housing.

[0022] Through the opening of the groove, the respective projection can be easily inserted into the groove and the housing can be coupled accordingly to the outer surface of the shaft head. An extension can also serve as a visual aid and mark the area to be inserted, wherein the extension is preferably designed such that the respective projection is supported by the groove at least on one side during insertion into the respective groove and is guided into the groove.

[0023] The first connecting section is preferably non-linear or curvilinear. This avoids edges that are disadvantageous for the guide and, in particular, provides a gradual transition to the linear guide in the second connecting section, which can further facilitate coupling the housing to the shaft head. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous in that, with a corresponding inclination, a transition of the guide elements to the second connecting section in the first connecting section can be assisted by gravity, so that the pivoting movement can be facilitated and predetermined by a transition region of the guide. Furthermore, this can prevent or at least make it more difficult to uncouple accidentally.

[0024] As described above, the inclination of the first connecting section to the second connecting section is preferably directed upwards or towards the end of the longitudinal axis, which is opposite a propeller mounted on the shaft. In order to further facilitate the initial coupling between the housing of the battery and the shaft head or between the housing and an outer surface of the shaft head, the inclination of the first connecting section to the longitudinal axis is preferably in the angular range between 10° and 80°, particularly preferably between 20° and 70°. Guidance parallel to the longitudinal axis is thus avoided, which facilitates handling of the housing and a one-handed connection of the housing of a battery or the battery to the shaft head.

[0025] The preferred angular range can advantageously be combined with a curvilinear design of the first connecting section, so that both the initial coupling of the guide elements with the respective guide and the transition to the second connecting section can be facilitated.

[0026] In order to further facilitate the initial coupling of the guide elements with the respective guide or the transition to the second connecting section, it can also be provided that the respective guide element is rounded or arcuate and / or the guide is rounded in the adjacent area of ​​the first and second connecting section.

[0027] Due to the corresponding curves, wherein, for example, a rounded projection and / or rounded walls of a groove can be provided, the guide element can slide along the guide and be guided in the direction of the second connecting section. By means of an arc shape, which can also be designed as a rounded trapezoidal shape, it can further advantageously be achieved that the guide element is guided in the direction of the second connecting section due to the corresponding curve in the transition region and then engages with the second connecting section. In this way, according to a preferred embodiment, the housing can be held by the guide after the initial connection. Particularly preferably, the guides and the guide elements have at least partially a corresponding geometry so that the guide elements are held in a form-fitting manner by the respective guide in the connected state.For example, an end region of the second connecting section opposite the first connecting section can have a corresponding rounding and dimensioning of the adjacent guide element, so that the guide elements can be held via corresponding contact surfaces and rotation or turning of the guide elements and thus of the housing can be effectively avoided.

[0028] The respective guide is preferably L-shaped or J-shaped. For example, the second connecting section can be designed as an extended section of the guide, so that a corresponding linear guide path can be provided. The extended linear guide path can be advantageous, for example, for the corresponding sliding movement or insertion movement of the battery housing relative to the shaft head in order to provide successive locking of the housing or contacting of the connection elements. The shorter first connecting section has the advantage that the guide can be shortened for initial coupling, thereby reducing the dimensioning at the shaft head and facilitating handling of the housing or the battery.Pivoting the battery upward can also prevent it from accidentally sliding backward and potentially falling into the water if not held. In other words, pivoting upward requires active operation or handling of the battery.

[0029] The L-shape or J-shape is preferably designed such that the guide has no or no significant alignment parallel to the longitudinal axis and the guide is rounded in the adjacent region of the first and second connecting section. The shorter section, which preferably defines the first connecting section, can have an opening and / or widening at the end region, as described above. A widened opening, which is not exclusively present at an end of the guide arranged in the guide direction, but rather at a corresponding end region, can extend in particular from a curve of the guide. A section of the guide can optionally also be aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, but the actual guide can essentially be formed by the curve and the adjacent opening.In other words, such a section running at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis can optionally provide a boundary for the respective guide element. However, in such a configuration, the continuation of the guide element is preferably primarily determined by the curve and the opening.

[0030] The respective guide and the respective guide element can further be configured such that the battery housing can be connected to the shaft head exclusively in a single, predetermined orientation relative to the shaft head. This can prevent a faulty connection between the housing and the shaft head, thus avoiding potential damage to the housing and / or shaft head. This also simplifies the connection process itself, especially since the initial coupling is preferably only possible in one orientation of the housing relative to the shaft head, and the successive guidance enables an intuitive connection without cognitive or mechanical effort.

[0031] The predetermined alignment can be defined, for example, by means of curves and / or dimensions of the guide elements, on the one hand, and by means of a shape and / or dimensioning of an opening of the guide, for example of the first connecting section, on the other hand, so that these together provide a poka-yoke connection.

[0032] In order to improve the holding of the housing of the battery on the shaft head, it can be provided that the respective guide and the respective guide element are designed such that the respective guide element forms two spaced-apart line contacts or at least one contact surface with the respective guide in the connected state of the housing of a battery.

[0033] If the guide elements are designed, for example, as a respective projection and the guides as a respective groove, the projection can be dimensioned such that it is held by corresponding contact surfaces on opposite sides or walls of the groove. Alternatively or additionally, rounded portions can be provided to facilitate insertion into the groove, for example, into the first connecting section and the transition to the second connecting section. This allows the projection in the transition area and / or in the second connecting section to also engage with the groove at two edge regions, for example, via two corresponding line contacts.The transition region at the first connecting portion and the adjacent second connecting portion may, for example, be shaped such that the groove forms a rotation or axis of rotation for the projection, wherein the projection engages opposite walls of the groove for linear guidance during rotation.

[0034] Preferably, the respective guide and the respective guide element are designed such that the respective guide element is held in a form-fitting manner by the respective guide when the housing is connected. As described above, this can be achieved, for example, by appropriate curves or alternative geometries.

[0035] To facilitate the coupling of the guide elements to the corresponding guides, two laterally spaced-apart arms preferably extend from the end region of the housing, with the guide elements being arranged on a respective arm. The arms of the outer housing are preferably designed such that the shaft head, when connected to the housing, is at least partially enclosed by the housing or at least partially received in the housing. In this way, the connection of the battery housing to the shaft head can be made easier, especially since the shaft head itself essentially defines a guide for the correct alignment of the outer housing. As described above, the housing is to be understood such that, in the connected state, it is in direct contact with the environment and is therefore not received in another housing. Accordingly, an outer wall of the housing can be substantially flush with an outer surface of the shaft head.

[0036] In the connected state, the arms can extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis and are preferably provided on corresponding sides of the housing. In particular, the arms can extend from the front side of the housing, preferably at an end region of the housing opposite a handle arranged on the housing.

[0037] This preferred arrangement further has the advantage that a more compact design of the outboard motor can be provided, while at the same time contacts such as the connection elements, which may be arranged on adjacent end faces of the shaft head and the housing, can be better and more efficiently protected against mechanical influences and water. In addition, the advantageous arrangement can shorten or reduce a leverage effect of the housing relative to the shaft head, so that a battery with a greater weight and corresponding power can be used due to the optimized bearing. In order to further shorten a potential leverage effect, with a corresponding design of the guide, for example, the second connecting section can extend in particular perpendicularly away from an end face of the outer surface.

[0038] Although the guide already enables support of the housing of a battery, further support can be provided based on the design of the shaft head and the housing, for example, to further support a higher-performance battery even in the event of vibrations or impact. Accordingly, an outer surface on an end face of the shaft head can have a contour inclined relative to the longitudinal axis in cross-section, which at least partially corresponds to a contour of an adjacent end face of the housing in the connected state.

[0039] In other words, the outer surface and the outer housing can form a chamfer on adjacent end faces, which are geometrically matched to one another so that they directly border one another and contact one another. Because part of the housing thus rests against the outer surface and is supported by it, forces acting on the housing, particularly but preferably not exclusively in the longitudinal direction, can be better absorbed and distributed. In this way, for example, vibrations on the housing can be absorbed or cushioned, thus reducing the forces acting on the guide.

[0040] As an alternative or further support, the shaft head may also have a frame-shaped or plate-shaped holder extending from its outer surface, which is arranged such that a bottom portion of the housing is at least partially supported by the holder in the connected state.

[0041] The holder preferably extends from one end face of the shaft head. As described above for the contours of the respective end faces, the holder can provide improved force or load distribution in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction can be predetermined by the shaft and, in particular, can be oriented upwards and downwards in a Z-axis, so that forces which are essentially perpendicular to the essentially horizontally extending guides can be absorbed. This can, for example, reduce the adverse effects of an existing torque on the guide and guide elements, for example in the event of a boat impacting the water. In this way, batteries with higher performance and correspondingly additional weight can also be connected to the shaft head.

[0042] The provision of such a holder also has the advantage of facilitating the connection of the battery, as the holder defines a predetermined orientation of the housing and enables further support of the battery housing during initial connection. Preferably, the holder has a groove at least partially on opposite sides, which is arranged and configured such that, in the connected state, it engages with a respective bottom-side projection of the housing, and the housing is delimited by the holder in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0043] The groove or alternatively formed guide on the holder makes it possible to further facilitate the connection and to hold the housing in a predetermined orientation. The groove is preferably designed such that the battery housing is delimited or supported by the holder in both longitudinal directions. For example, the groove can have continuous walls spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, which extend essentially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the distance between the walls is dimensioned to accommodate the base-side projection.

[0044] However, the groove can also be split and, for example, provided in sections, with only an upper wall being provided on one section and only a lower wall being provided on the adjacent or spaced-apart section in order to provide a limitation in the longitudinal direction upwards (shaft head side) or downwards (propeller side). It can also be provided that the groove is only single-walled in one section. For example, the holder can have a groove with only an upper wall directly on the front side of the shaft head and a double-walled groove at the opposite end region. In this way, an unintentional upward movement of the battery housing can be advantageously limited and the housing can, for example, snap into place completely, preferably at least partially circumferentially, at the end region and be held in place in both longitudinal directions.

[0045] To provide an improved connection between the battery housing and the shaft head and to largely prevent accidental uncoupling, the shaft head preferably comprises a rotatably mounted lever, which is biased into a closed position by an energy storage device. The lever comprises at least one locking element, which, when connected and in the closed position of the lever, engages with a longitudinally extending edge on the housing in such a way that the housing is delimited in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0046] The locking element and the corresponding edge thus allow the housing to be securely held in the second connecting section, particularly since the locking element limits linear, horizontal, or vertical movement of the edge and thus of the housing of a battery. The edge is preferably held in a form-fitting manner by the locking element. The locking element can in particular be hook-shaped and can be brought into engagement with the edge by rotating or opening the lever, sliding linearly towards the shaft head, and then positioning the lever in the closed position. In this respect, the energy storage device prevents accidental opening of the lever and preloads the locking element and edge into the closed, engaged position.The energy storage device, which is preferably designed as a mechanical spring, enables a detachable connection so that when the corresponding energy, in particular the spring force, is bridged, a rotation of the lever is possible and the housing can be moved away from the shaft head because the edge is no longer in engagement with the locking element.

[0047] The lever is preferably arranged such that, in the closed position, the lever is aligned parallel to the base plate or cover side of the battery housing and / or a top side of the shaft head. The lever is preferably designed such that the lever is aligned with a longitudinal end of the outer surface of the shaft head. In this way, a particularly advantageous embodiment with a compact design can be provided, while the risk of accidental actuation of the lever can be further reduced.

[0048] In order to further facilitate the securing of the housing of the battery to the shaft head during connection, the locking element and the edge can have a respective chamfer which are arranged such that when the housing is connected to the shaft head during the sliding movement, preferably in a second connecting section of the guide, they adjoin one another at least in sections and pretension the lever into an open position and / or are spaced apart from one another in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the connected state.

[0049] Accordingly, the chamfers can slide against one another or engage with one another during a linear movement of the housing relative to the shaft head, thus causing a longitudinal movement of the lever, so that the lever is preloaded into an open position when a corresponding force is applied to the housing. Conversely, a linear sliding movement, for example in the second connecting section of the guide, can be assisted by the chamfers in the absence of a corresponding force or when a reverse force is applied and the lever is in an open position. The chamfers and the preload force provided by the energy storage device on the lever can facilitate a movement of the housing away from the shaft head to decouple the battery.

[0050] By spacing the chamfers in the connected state, it can be ensured, for example, that a positive locking mechanism is guaranteed and that unintentional preloading of the lever into an open position can be prevented. The chamfers can preferably have a longitudinal edge that adjoins one another in the connected state, with the longitudinal edges forming the edge of the housing or at least partially the locking element of the lever.

[0051] According to a further optional embodiment, the lever may have a lever arm which extends longitudinally from the lever, wherein the lever arm, in the connected state, engages with an end face of the housing and is torque-coupled to the lever.

[0052] Due to the contact with the end face and the torque coupling with the lever, a rotation of the lever thus causes a rotation of the arm, thereby providing a linear translation of the housing, preferably in a second connecting section of the guide. In this way, a lever effect can be provided with respect to the housing, which supports the decoupling of the battery from the shaft head. The lever arm of the lever can, for example, achieve a corresponding displacement of the housing away from a end face of the shaft head when the lever is opened or disengaged, in that the corresponding torque causes a linear displacement of the housing due to a corresponding linear displacement of a projection received in a groove. Accordingly, the design of the lever can, in particular, support the sliding out of the housing of the battery or its guide elements.

[0053] A rotation axis can preferably be provided on the lever arm. Accordingly, the shaft head can further comprise a recess, wherein the recess enables both accommodation of the lever arm and rotation of the lever about the offset rotation axis. It can also be provided that an opening in the respective guide or the guide as a whole is arranged offset from an end face of the shaft head, wherein the opening can be arranged, for example, on an upper side of the shaft head. This can further increase the leverage provided by the lever arm or lever. The provided lever arm can accordingly facilitate decoupling in such a way that one-handed operation is optionally further supported, even with a battery with higher power. Likewise, in this way, the battery can also be pushed out one-handed or at least made easier. Short description of the characters

[0054] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. In the figures: Figure 1 shows an outboard motor according to the invention with a shaft head and a battery in a preferred embodiment in various connection states in a side view; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the shaft head according to Figure 1 ; Figure 3 a perspective view of the housing of the battery according to Figure 1 ; Figure 4the shaft head according to Figure 1 in a side view; Figure 5 a perspective view of a shaft head in an alternative embodiment; Figure 6 a sectional view of an outboard motor with the shaft head according to Figure 5 when connected to the battery housing; Figure 7 a sectional view of the outboard motor according to Figure 6with the lever open; Figure 8 a sectional view of the outboard motor according to Figure 7 with the lever fully rotated; and Figure 9 shows a top view of a connecting element with different contact areas. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0055] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the various figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancies.

[0056] In Figure 11 shows an outboard motor with a shaft head 10 and a battery 30, wherein a preferred process for connecting a housing 32 of the battery 30 to the shaft head 10 is illustrated in a corresponding side view. As shown by the arrows, the housing 32 can first be pivoted or rotated on the shaft head 10 or relative to the shaft head 10 in order to provide an initial connection. Subsequently, the housing 32, which comprises one or more battery units inside the housing, is pushed towards the shaft head 10, wherein the sliding movement occurs essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft or the shaft head 10. As a result of this sliding movement, the battery 30 or the battery housing 32 is securely connected to the shaft head 10.

[0057] Furthermore, an electrical connection element 22 is provided on one end face of the shaft head 10, which serves to electrically conductively connect the shaft head 10 or, via a pin (not shown), to the battery 30. It can be seen that the housing 32 does not touch the connection element 22 during the pivoting movement. Accordingly, accidental bending of the connection element 22 during the initial connection of the battery 30 to the shaft head 10 can be avoided. The housing 32 is then moved linearly or vertically in the direction of the shaft head 10. This sliding movement allows a corresponding connection element 22 on one end face of the housing 32 to be electrically conductively connected to the connection element 22 of the shaft head 10. In particular, the connection elements 22 can provide a plug-in connection if, for example, they are aligned concentrically to one another after the initial pivoting movement.Accordingly, the connection between the battery 30 and the shaft head 10 or the tiller can advantageously be provided quasi-automatically by the mechanical connection of the housing 32 to the shaft head 10.

[0058] The pivoting movement of the housing 32 or the battery 30 is enabled by guides 13, which are provided on the outer surface of the shaft head 10. The guides 13 comprise a first connecting section 14 and a second connecting section 16, which are designed as a continuous groove in this case. The corresponding groove is provided on opposite sides of the outer surface or laterally of the shaft head 10.

[0059] The first connecting section 14 is formed at an angle to the second connecting section 16 - in the present embodiment, the two connecting sections 14, 16 form an angle of approximately 90°. However, the groove in the first connecting section 14 is not formed continuously by two opposing walls, but rather has an opening at the end region and a front-side recess, which thus form an extension of the groove. This opening and extension facilitate the insertion of a corresponding guide element, such as a projection of the housing 32 of the battery, as will be explained below with regard to the Figures 1 and 2described. The opening and widening extend from a transition region 15, which is formed by the adjacent regions of the first and second connecting sections 14, 16. This transition region 15 is also rounded, with the lower wall of the groove in the first connecting section 14 extending at an angle of between approximately 60° and 80° with respect to the longitudinal direction predetermined by the longitudinal axis from the adjacent second connecting section 16. This rounding and the corresponding angular range can, for example, further facilitate the insertion of a corresponding projection of the housing 32 of the battery 30 or provide improved guidance to the second connecting section 16.At the same time, a limitation for the projection in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis can thereby be provided when the projection is received in the second connecting portion 16, as is provided in the connected state of the battery 30.

[0060] Thus, guide elements of the housing 32, particularly in the form of projections, can first be inserted into the first connecting section 14 and aligned at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft head 10, after which the housing 32 is first pivoted in the transition region 15 of the first and second connecting sections 14, 16. The pivoting movement can be assisted, for example, for an operator of the battery 30 by means of a handle 34 arranged on the housing 32. This pivoting or rotation is further facilitated by the corresponding rounding of this transition region 15 or boundary region and already provides an initial hold, especially since the projections are already engaged with the second connecting section 16.

[0061] Subsequently, due to the design of the second connecting section 16, the housing 32 is then moved linearly in the direction of the shaft head 10 until the respective projection abuts the end region of the second connecting section 16. In this position, the projections are held in a form-fitting manner by the respective groove due to the corresponding geometries. Due to the linear sliding movement, the connecting element 22 arranged on the end face can be connected to a corresponding connecting element on an end face of the housing 32 of the battery 30 and, in particular, can thus form a plug-in connection. The extent of the second connecting section 16 is preferably also selected such that the connecting elements do not touch each other during the initial connection in the first connecting section 14.

[0062] In addition to the guides 13, the battery 30, in the connected state, is further held at least partially by an end face of the shaft head 10, in that side regions of the end face are inclined and have a cross-sectional contour that corresponds to a contour of the adjacent contact surface of an end face of the housing 32. Accordingly, support can advantageously be provided by the engagement of the housing 32 with the contour of the end-face outer surface and by the engagement of the projections with the respective guide 13.

[0063] An optional bracket 26 at the lower portion of the shaft head 10 further enables, alternatively or in addition to the contours, the weight of the battery to continue to be supported and not be carried exclusively by the guide or the second connecting section 16. This will be explained below with regard to Figure 2 described in more detail.

[0064] In Figure 2is a perspective view of the shaft head 10 according to Figure 2 shown. The shaft head 10 is attached to an upper end of a shaft (not shown) and is connected to a tiller 11, which serves to specify the direction of rotation and the motor power of a propeller (not shown) attached to the lower end of the shaft. The propeller is attached, for example, to a propeller shaft, which is driven by an electric motor arranged in a motor nacelle at the lower end of the shaft. The tiller 11 is secured to the shaft head 10 by means of a locking device 12.

[0065] In Figure 2 The guide 13 for receiving a housing of a battery is shown in more detail on the outer surface of the shaft head 10. Among other things, it can be seen that the first connecting section 14 is inclined relative to the second connecting section 16. As described above with regard to Figure 1As described above, the groove in the first connecting section 14 is formed by two opposing walls, with the groove having an opening 14A at one end. The lower wall of the groove is not continuous, but rather has a front-end recess at the end region, with the opening 14B and the recess together forming an extension 14B or an enlarged end region of the groove. This opening 14A and extension 14B facilitate the insertion of a corresponding projection of the housing 32 of the battery 30.

[0066] To enable an improved connection of the housing 32 of the battery 30 to the shaft head 10, the shaft head 10 further comprises a lever 18, wherein the lever 18 is shown in a closed position and is biased into the closed position by an energy storage device, preferably a preloaded mechanical spring (not shown). A locking element of the lever 18 is formed at least partially by a front-end bevel 20. The bevel 20 enables a movement of the lever 18 into an open position to be assisted when connecting the housing 32 of the battery 30 or when inserting the housing 32, so that a connection to the shaft head 10 by means of the second connecting portion 16 is facilitated.The lever 18 is further arranged flush with the outer surface so that the lever 18 does not protrude from the outer surface and additionally has a corresponding recess to facilitate actuation of the lever 18.

[0067] When connecting the housing 32 of the battery 30 to the shaft head 10, the housing 32 is moved in accordance with the battery in the direction of an end face 24 of the shaft head, with the sliding movement occurring linearly and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis due to the second connecting portion 16, which extends away from the end face 24. As a result, the connecting element 22 arranged on the end face 24 can be connected to a corresponding connecting element on an end face of the battery housing and, in particular, can form a plug-in connection therewith.

[0068] In the perspective view according to Figure 2Furthermore, the optional holder 26 on the lower region of the shaft head 10 is shown in an improved form. This also allows the weight of the battery to be supported and not carried exclusively by the guide 13 or the second connecting section 16. In the present example, the holder 26, which is frame-shaped, extends from the end face 24 of the shaft head 10 and has a groove 28 which, when connected, engages with a projection on the bottom of the housing 32. The groove 28 is divided into two spaced-apart regions, one region having an upper wall adjacent to the end face 24 and an opposite end region having an upper wall and a lower wall spaced therefrom, the walls being arranged at least partially circumferentially.Accordingly, a connected housing 32 of a battery 30 can snap into place at the end region of the holder 26 and the housing 32 is supported or held by the holder 26 in both longitudinal directions.

[0069] In Figure 3a corresponding battery 30 of the outboard motor according to the invention is shown, with the housing 32 of the battery 30 being shown in more detail. At one end region of the housing 32, a handle 34 is provided to facilitate handling and coupling or uncoupling of the battery 30. At the opposite end of the housing 32, two connecting arms 36 extend from a corresponding end face 40, each having a guide element in the form of a projection 38. The projections 38 are arranged in this case on an inner surface of the respective arm 36, so that the projections 38 can be inserted into the outer groove of the shaft head or into the first connecting section 14, and the arms 36 surround or receive the shaft head 10.In the present example, the projections 38 are rounded or semicircular, which facilitates insertion into the first connecting portion 14 and the initial pivoting movement for connecting the housing 32 or the battery 30 to the shaft head 10. Furthermore, this also facilitates the transition to the second connecting portion 16.

[0070] When the housing 32 of the battery 30 is moved or pushed linearly toward the shaft head 10 by means of the second connecting portion 16, the lever 18 can be preloaded into an open position due to the chamfer 20 of the lever 18, which now touches an edge 42, so that the housing 32 can be securely fastened to the shaft head 10. For example, it can be provided that the projections 38 engage with an end region or a stop of the second connecting portion 16 after the linear displacement, wherein the projections 38 are held in a form-fitting manner by the respective groove based on a corresponding geometry. Thus, the opposite end region of the second connecting portion 16 can have a similar or substantially identical rounding and dimensioning to the projections 38, so that the projections 38 can be held over corresponding contact surfaces.In order to prevent the projections 38 from accidentally moving linearly away from the respective end region, the locking element of the lever 18 preferably also has, in addition to the chamfer 20, an edge (not shown) which, in the connected state, adjoins the edge 42 and is held or limited thereby in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0071] The housing 32 of the battery 30 also has a connection element 22 on its end face 40, wherein the connection element 22 is arranged such that, upon linear displacement in the second connecting section 16, it forms a plug connection with the connection element 22 of the shaft head 10 due to an advantageous concentric alignment. In this way, a secure electrically conductive connection can be provided between the battery 30 and the shaft head 10 or with the tiller 11 and a motor of the outboard motor, without the need for individual screw connections or connecting cables.

[0072] Furthermore, a projection 44 is arranged on both sides of the bottom side of the housing 32, which projection 44 engages with the groove 28 of the shaft head 10 when the housing 32 is connected and thus provides further support for the housing 32 in addition to the guide 13.

[0073] In the side view according to Figure 4 the extension of the guide 13 as well as the relative arrangement of the connection element 22 and the groove 28 of the holder 26 are also shown in an improved manner. Accordingly, the guide 13 can preferably be J-shaped (or alternatively L-shaped), wherein the shorter section forms the first connecting section 14, which is partially bent and inclined towards the second connecting section 16. This figure also clearly shows that the linear extension of the second connecting section 16 enables the linear plug-in connection of the connection elements 22 as well as the optional, additional mounting by the holder 26. When the housing 32 of the battery 30 is connected, the end faces 24, 40 can also be adjacent to one another, thus providing an overall very compact design without significant gaps or projections protruding from the outer surface.

[0074] An alternative or supplementary embodiment of the lever 18 is shown in the perspective view according to Figure 5 In this example, it can be seen that the locking elements can have an optional bevel 20, which together with a longitudinal edge connected thereto forms a hook shape. The longitudinal edge can engage with an adjacent edge of the housing 32, as will be described below with regard to the Figures 6 to 8 described. Furthermore, the lever 18 has a lever arm 46, which is arranged in a corresponding receptacle on the outer surface at the end face and in such a way that, when the housing 32 of the battery 30 is connected, it engages with or contacts an end face 40 of the housing 32.

[0075] To increase the leverage, the guide 13 is arranged offset from the end face 24, with the opening 14A opening at an upper side of the shaft head 10. The opening 14A also forms an extension of the first connecting section 14, so that the end region of the first connecting section 14 is quasi-funnel-shaped or trapezoidal. In this way, the insertion of the projections 38 on the housing 32 can also be facilitated.

[0076] The contact and mode of operation of the lever arm 36 is shown in the sectional views of the Figures 6 to 8 shown in more detail. In Figure 6the lever 18 is in a closed position, wherein both the lever 18 and the lever arm 46 are received in a receptacle of the shaft head 10. The lever 18 is designed such that it is aligned with the outer surface of the shaft head 10 on the upper side, wherein a small recess is provided next to the chamfers 20 in order to facilitate engagement in a recess of the lever 18 for actuating the lever 18. When the lever 18 is actuated and placed in an open position, as in Figure 7As shown, the housing 32 is pushed away from the shaft head 10 due to the contact of the end face 40 with the lever arm 46 within the guide 13, whereby the rotation and the corresponding torque cause a linear translation of the housing 32. In this figure, the edge 42 can also be seen, which in the connected state and with the closed position of the lever 18 with the longitudinal edge on the chamfer 20 of the hook-shaped locking element, as in the Figures 5 and 6 shown, is engaged. The edge 42 is also shown primarily with an optional chamfer 48, which, upon linear sliding movement of the housing 32 in the direction of the shaft head 10, enables sliding together with the chamfer 20 and optionally preloading into the open position of the lever 18.

[0077] With the lever fully turned, as shown in Figure 8As shown, the projections 38 are located in the transition area 15 of the first and second connecting sections 14, 16, so that the battery 30 can be rotated out of the first connecting section 14 by means of a handle 34 on the housing 32 and can be separated or decoupled from the shaft head 10. It can also be seen here that the linear translation enables a quasi-automatic separation of the connecting elements 22, so that the plug connection of the connecting elements 22, which in Figure 6 shown, can be released in a safe and predetermined manner. Accordingly, decoupling of individual screw connections and also extending a mechanical locking bar can be dispensed with due to the advantageous design of the guides 13 and the corresponding arrangement of the connecting elements 22 and the provided lever 18.

[0078] An example of an advantageous embodiment of a connection element 22 is shown in Figure 9shown in a plan view. Accordingly, the connection element 22 can be designed as a socket or plug and have different contact areas which are insulated from one another. For example, a contact area 50 can be provided for a motor connection of the outboard motor and can be designed in particular in the form of two receptacles for a respective contact pin or contact pin if the connection element 22 is designed as a socket, while the corresponding contact area for a plug unit is designed as corresponding contact pins. Likewise, two contact areas 52 are provided for a plurality of contact pins, in this case four in each case, wherein these contact areas 52 are provided for connecting the battery 30 to the tiller 11. Accordingly, for example, power control can be provided via the contact areas 52.

[0079] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the embodiments may be combined and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols

[0080] 10 Shaft head 11 Tiller 12 Lock 13 Guide 14 First connecting section 14 A Opening 14 B Widening 15 Transition area 16 Second connecting section 18 Lever 20 Chamfer 22 Connecting element 24 Front side 26 Bracket 28 Groove 30 Battery 32 Housing 34 Handle 36 Arm 38 Projection 40 Front side 42 Edge 44 Projection 46 Lever arm 48 Chamfer 50 Motor contact area 52 Tiller contact area

Claims

1. An outboard motor for a boat, comprising a shaft head (10) defining a longitudinal axis, and a housing (32) of a battery (30) that is detachably connectable to the shaft head (10), wherein the shaft head (10) has guides (13) for connecting the housing (32) of the battery (30), and wherein guide elements extend at an end region of the housing (32), wherein the guide elements are arranged such that they engage with a respective guide when the housing (32) is connected to the shaft head (10), characterized in thatthe guides (13) and the guide elements are designed such that the housing (32) is first pivoted on the shaft head (10) for connection to the shaft head (10) and then pushed relative to the shaft head (10), wherein the housing (32) and the shaft head (10) each have an electrical connection element (22) which are arranged such that they are electrically conductively connected to one another by the sliding movement when the housing (32) is connected to the shaft head (10).

2. Outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the connecting elements (22) are each arranged at the end face and such that they are spaced apart from one another during the pivoting movement and are concentrically aligned with one another during the sliding movement.

3. Outboard motor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an end face (24) of the shaft head (10) and an end face (40) of the housing (32) each have a single electrical connection element (22) which provides an electrically conductive connection for a tiller (12) and motor connectable to the shaft head (10).

4. Outboard motor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guides (13) are arranged on opposite sides of an outer surface of the shaft head (10) and define a first connecting portion (14) and an adjacent second connecting portion (16) for the guide elements, wherein the second connecting portion (16) extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and linearly and the first connecting portion (14) is inclined to the second connecting portion (16).

5. An outboard motor according to claim 4, wherein the first connecting portion (14) is configured to pivotally support the housing (32) and the second connecting portion (16) is configured to slidably support the housing (32).

6. Outboard motor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the respective guide (13) is designed as a groove and the respective guide element as a projection (38), wherein the respective groove has an opening (14A) and / or an extension (14B) for inserting the respective projection (38) at the end region of the first connecting section (14) which is opposite the second connecting section (16).

7. Outboard motor according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first connecting portion (14) is non-linear or curvilinear.

8. Outboard motor according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the inclination of the first connecting portion (14) to the longitudinal axis is in the angular range between 10° and 80°, preferably between 20° and 70°.

9. Outboard motor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective guide element is rounded or arcuate, and / or wherein the guide (13) is rounded in the transition region (15) of the first and second connecting portions (14, 16), and / or wherein the respective guide (13) is L-shaped or J-shaped, and / or wherein the respective guide (13) and the respective guide element are designed such that the housing (32) of the battery (30) can be connected to the shaft head (10) exclusively in a single predetermined orientation relative to the shaft head (10), and / or wherein the respective guide (13) and the respective guide element are designed such that the respective guide element, in the connected state of the housing (32), forms two spaced-apart line contacts or at least one contact surface with the respective guide (13),and / or wherein the respective guide (13) and the respective guide element are designed such that the respective guide element is held in a form-fitting manner by the respective guide (13) in the connected state of the housing (32).

10. Outboard motor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two laterally spaced-apart arms (36) extend at the end region of the housing (32), wherein the guide elements are arranged on a respective arm (36), and wherein the arms (36) of the outer housing (32) are designed such that the shaft head (10), in the connected state with the housing (32), is at least partially enclosed by the housing (32) or at least partially received in the housing (32), and / or wherein an outer surface on an end face (24) of the shaft head (10) has, in cross-section, a contour which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and which at least partially corresponds to a contour of an adjoining end face (40) of the housing (32) in the connected state.

11. Outboard motor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft head (10) further comprises a frame-shaped or plate-shaped bracket (26) extending from its outer surface, which is arranged such that a bottom portion of the housing (32) is at least partially supported by the bracket (26) in the connected state.

12. Outboard motor according to claim 11, wherein the bracket (26) has at least partially on opposite sides a groove (28) which is arranged and designed such that, in the connected state, it engages with a respective bottom-side projection (44) of the housing (32) and the housing (32) is delimited by the bracket (26) in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis.

13. Outboard motor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft head (10) comprises a rotatably mounted lever (18) which is biased into a closed position by an energy store, wherein the lever (18) comprises at least one locking element which, in the connected state and in the closed position of the lever (18), engages with a longitudinally extending edge (42) on the housing (32) in such a way that the housing (32) is limited in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

14. Outboard motor according to claim 13, wherein the locking element and the edge (42) have a respective chamfer (20, 48) which are arranged such that when the housing (32) is connected to the shaft head (10) during the sliding movement they adjoin one another at least in sections and pretension the lever (18) into an open position and / or are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the connected state.

15. An outboard motor according to claim 14 or 14, wherein the lever (18) has a lever arm (46) extending longitudinally from the lever (18), the lever arm (46) in the connected state engaging an end face (40) of the housing (32) and being torque-coupled to the lever (18).

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