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 field

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

[0002] Electrically powered boats often use outboard motors, which are mounted on the transom or stern. The shaft, which has a shaft head at one end and a propeller at the opposite end, is typically first attached to the transom using thumbscrews. A tiller and a battery housing are then connected to the shaft head.

[0003] This facilitates the installation and removal of the outboard motor, and also allows components to be removed without requiring complete disassembly. For example, the tiller and battery housing can be removed to prevent unauthorized control of the drive or to allow for 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 connectors. For a watertight connection, additional locking nuts must be tightened on each plug connector. Furthermore, a locking mechanism is provided to mechanically secure the battery housing. This mechanism is inserted through the battery housing and the shaft head, ensuring a secure and locked connection. Connecting the battery thus requires numerous manual steps, which must be repeated, for example, when changing the battery.

[0005] The electrically conductive connection to a battery can still be prone to failure. To prevent damage, tensile stress and pinching of the cables should be avoided at all costs. The pins of the electrical connector should also be precisely aligned to prevent bending, especially if excessive force is applied. Similarly, the union nuts should be fitted straight to prevent damage to the threads during tightening. This can make assembly cumbersome and may require the operator to use both hands.

[0006] EP 4 219 290 A1 discloses marine propulsion systems with a support frame and casing. JP 2011 213241 A discloses an electric outboard motor with a display panel. Description of the invention

[0007] Starting from the known state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved and in particular simplified connection for an outboard motor.

[0008] The problem is solved by an outboard motor with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0009] Accordingly, an outboard motor for a boat is proposed, comprising a shaft head defining a longitudinal axis and a battery housing detachably connected to the shaft head. The shaft head has guides for connecting the battery housing. Guide elements extend along one end of the housing, the guide elements being 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 with 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 connected to each other by the sliding movement when connecting the housing to the shaft head.

[0010] The initial pivoting motion of the housing allows the battery to be easily connected to the shaft head, for example, by inserting the guide elements and successively twisting or rotating the housing. The subsequent sliding motion offers the distinct advantage of establishing a secure, electrically conductive connection between the outboard motor components when attaching the housing. This eliminates the need to manually hold the battery's weight, as it can simply be slid along the shaft head after the initial connection. Furthermore, the connecting elements can be electrically connected using a simple plug-in connection. This connection is established almost automatically when the housing is attached to the shaft head.Accordingly, a wireless connection can be provided, eliminating the need for cumbersome screwing together of, for example, union nuts.

[0011] The battery housing is still considered an outer casing, with one or more battery units arranged inside. The battery or battery unit is connected to the shaft head via the housing and is not enclosed by any further container or housing. In this way, the housing is in direct contact with the environment, thus protecting the battery unit from direct external influences.

[0012] Preferably, the connection elements are arranged at the end faces such that they are spaced apart from each other during the pivoting movement and concentrically aligned to each other during the sliding movement. This concentric alignment further facilitates the plug connection. The initial spacing of the connection elements ensures that they do not touch each other when the housing is initially connected, thus preventing any distortion of the corresponding contact elements, which would occur, for example, with a purely rotatable connection of a battery relative to the shaft head without successive linear displacement.

[0013] In particular, each end face of the housing and the shaft head can have a single electrical connection element that provides an electrically conductive connection for a pin and motor that can be connected to the shaft head. This eliminates the need for separate connections and allows for 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. Preferably, the connection elements are designed as a socket or plug.

[0014] By preferably locating the connection elements on the respective end faces, they can be better protected from external influences, both mechanical and / or fluidic. Preferably, the shaft head is enclosed by a corresponding section of the housing and is at least partially contained within the housing, with the end faces in particular being surrounded or flanked by the housing. In this way, the connection elements can be concealed, thus preventing accidental contact. Furthermore, this provides improved protection against mechanical influences and an improved fluidic seal by effectively preventing direct interaction between the connection elements and the external environment.A seal can be provided, for example, on the corresponding end faces and / or contours, whereby this at least surrounds or encloses the respective connection element. When the housing or battery is connected, the sliding movement can provide a corresponding linear contact force, which enables a reliable seal between the connection elements.

[0015] Preferably, the guides are arranged on opposite sides of an outer surface of the shaft head and each defines a first connection section and an adjacent second connection section for the guide elements, wherein the second connection section extends linearly and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the first connection section is inclined relative to the second connection section. The first connection section can be configured, in particular, for pivoting the housing, and the second connection section can be configured, in particular, for sliding the housing.

[0016] The design of the connecting sections allows the guide elements to engage with the first connecting section during the pivoting or rotating motion of the housing to the shaft head, and then to be guided linearly within the second connecting section. This linear guidance, essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, advantageously provides, among other things, improved longitudinal limitation of the guide elements and the corresponding outer housing of the battery casing, thus enabling the casing to be mounted more securely on the shaft head. Similarly, the inclination of the first connecting section relative to the second connecting section prevents the guide elements from being easily detached from their respective guides in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In other words, even if the guide elements are moved towards the first connecting section by an unintentional sliding motion, a further pivoting motion at an angle to the vertical direction is required to decouple the housing from the shaft head. This facilitates handling of the battery housing even during assembly, as the housing can be easily coupled to the first connecting section on the shaft head via the guide elements, after which the housing is securely held by the guide. Removing the housing is also made easier, with both connecting and disconnecting the housing advantageously possible with a single hand.

[0018] 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 one side of the shaft head, which preferably runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The arrangement of the guides and, preferably, the guide elements on both sides prevents accidental tilting of the battery housing relative to the shaft head, while simultaneously providing improved support through the linear guide in the second connecting section. Furthermore, this facilitates the initial connection of the battery housing to the shaft head, especially since the first connecting section of the guides already establishes a relative orientation of the battery housing for connection with the shaft head.Advantageously, the positioning and alignment of the connection elements relative to each other can be predetermined by the guide, with the second connection section preferably allowing the connection elements to move linearly relative to each other during connection to facilitate the provision of a plug connection. When connecting the housing to the shaft head, the connection elements are preferably spaced apart from each other in the guide in the first connection section, while in the guide in the second connection section they are preferably aligned concentrically to each other, so that they are electrically conductively connected to each other as a plug connection when the battery is connected.

[0019] Depending on the design of the guides and guide elements, the battery housing can be inserted, slid, or attached to the shaft head. Preferably, the guide is designed as a groove and the guide element as a projection, with the groove preferably having an opening and / or widening at the end of the first connecting section, opposite the second connecting section, for inserting the projection.

[0020] The groove can be provided as a recess in the shaft head or as opposing walls extending from an outer surface of the shaft head, the groove preferably being dimensioned such that each projection is bounded by the groove. Preferably, the groove is designed such that each projection, particularly in the second connection section or during the sliding movement, can only move linearly, preventing rotation or lateral movement of the projection.

[0021] The projection is preferably essentially semicircular, block-shaped or pin-shaped and can be dimensioned accordingly as a so-called spring for the groove.

[0022] The opening can be provided at one end of the first connecting section, opposite an end adjacent to the second connecting section in the guide direction. Preferably, the opening is enlarged or widened so that it is provided at a corresponding end region, for example, by a corresponding recess in a lower wall section of the groove. The opening and / or the first connecting section can, in particular, adjoin an end face of the shaft head to facilitate coupling with the guide elements or the battery housing.

[0023] The opening in the groove allows the respective projection to be easily inserted into the groove and the housing to be coupled to the outer surface of the shaft head. An extension can further serve as a visual aid and mark the area to be inserted, the extension preferably being designed such that the respective projection is supported on at least one side by the groove during insertion and guided into the groove.

[0024] Preferably, the first connecting section is designed as a non-linear or curvilinear path. This avoids edges that are disadvantageous for guidance and, in particular, provides a gradual transition to the linear guidance in the second connecting section, further facilitating the coupling of the housing to the shaft head. Such a design is especially advantageous because, with a suitable inclination, the transition of the guide elements to the second connecting section in the first connecting section can be assisted by gravity, thus facilitating the pivoting movement and allowing it to be defined by a transition area of ​​the guide. Furthermore, this prevents or at least makes accidental decoupling more difficult.

[0025] As described above, the inclination of the first connecting section to the second connecting section is preferably directed upwards, i.e., towards the end of the longitudinal axis opposite a propeller mounted on the shaft. To further facilitate the initial coupling between the battery housing 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°, and particularly preferably between 20° and 70°. This avoids a guide parallel to the longitudinal axis, thereby facilitating handling of the housing and one-handed connection of the battery housing or the battery to the shaft head.

[0026] The preferred angular range can advantageously be combined with a curvilinear design of the first connection section, so that both the initial coupling of the guide elements with the respective guide and the transition to the second connection section can be facilitated.

[0027] To further facilitate the initial coupling of the guide elements with the respective guide or the transition to the second connection section, it may also be provided that the respective guide element is rounded or arc-shaped and / or that the guide is rounded in the adjacent area of ​​the first and second connection section.

[0028] The corresponding curves, for example, a rounded projection and / or rounded groove walls, allow the guide element to slide along the guide and be guided towards the second connection section. An arc shape, which can also be a rounded trapezoid, can further advantageously ensure that the guide element, due to the corresponding curve in the transition area, is guided towards the second connection section and subsequently engages with it. In this way, the housing can be held by the guide after the initial connection, according to a preferred embodiment. Particularly preferably, the guides and guide elements have at least a partial geometry such that the guide elements are positively locked to the respective guide in the connected state.For example, an end area 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 are held via corresponding contact surfaces and rotation or twisting of the guide elements and thus of the housing can be effectively avoided.

[0029] Preferably, the guide is L-shaped or J-shaped. For example, the second connecting section can be designed as an extended section of the guide, thus providing a corresponding linear guide path. This extended linear guide path can be advantageous, for instance, for the sliding or insertion movement of the battery housing relative to the shaft head, enabling successive locking of the housing or contacting of the terminal elements. The shorter first connecting section has the advantage that the guide can be shortened for initial coupling, thereby reducing the dimensions at the shaft head and facilitating handling of the housing or battery.Swiveling the battery upwards also prevents it from unintentionally sliding backwards and potentially falling into the water if it is not held. In other words, swiveling it upwards requires active handling of the battery.

[0030] 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 area of ​​the first and second connecting sections. The shorter section, which preferably defines the first connecting section, may have an opening and / or widening at its end, as described above. A widened opening, which is not located exclusively at an end of the guide oriented in the direction of travel but rather at a corresponding end area, may extend, in particular, from a curve in the guide. Optionally, a section of the guide may also be oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, but the actual guidance may be formed essentially 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 design, the continuation of the guide element is preferably primarily determined by the curve and the opening.

[0031] The respective guide and guide element can be designed such that the battery housing can only be connected to the shaft head in a single, predetermined orientation relative to the shaft head. This prevents an incorrect connection between the housing and the shaft head, thus avoiding potential damage to the housing and / or shaft head. It 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 subsequent guidance enables an intuitive connection without cognitive or mechanical effort.

[0032] The specified orientation can be defined, for example, by means of curves and / or dimensions of the guide elements, on the one hand, and by the shape and / or dimensions of an opening of the guide, for example of the first connecting section, on the other hand, so that together they provide a Poka-Yoke connection.

[0033] To improve the mounting of the battery housing on the shaft head, it may be provided that the respective guide and guide element are designed such that the respective guide element, in the connected state of the battery housing, forms two spaced-apart line contacts or at least a contact surface with the respective guide.

[0034] If the guide elements are designed, for example, as respective projections and the guides as respective grooves, 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, radii 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 to engage with the groove at two edge areas in the transition area and / or in the second connecting section, for example, via two corresponding line contacts.The transition area at the first connecting section and the adjacent second connecting section can, for example, be shaped such that the groove forms a rotation or axis of rotation for the projection, with the projection engaging opposite walls of the groove for linear guidance during the rotation.

[0035] Preferably, the respective guide and guide element are designed such that the guide element is positively locked to the guide when the housing is connected. As described above, this can be achieved, for example, by means of appropriate radii or alternative geometries.

[0036] To facilitate coupling the guide elements with the corresponding guides, two laterally spaced arms preferably extend from the end region of the housing, with the guide elements arranged on each arm. The arms of the outer housing are preferably designed such that, when connected to the housing, the shaft head is at least partially enclosed by the housing or at least partially received within it. This facilitates connecting the battery housing to the shaft head, 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 as being in direct contact with its surroundings when connected and is therefore not contained within a further housing. Accordingly, an outer wall of the housing can be substantially flush with an outer surface of the shaft head.

[0037] The arms, when connected, can extend essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or axis and are preferably provided on corresponding sides of the housing. In particular, the arms can extend towards the end of the housing, preferably at an end region of the housing opposite a handle arranged on the housing.

[0038] This preferred arrangement also offers the advantage of a more compact outboard motor design, while simultaneously providing better and more efficient protection from mechanical impacts and water for contacts located on adjacent end faces of the shaft head and the housing, such as the connection elements. Furthermore, this advantageous arrangement reduces the leverage effect of the housing relative to the shaft head, allowing the use of a heavier and more powerful battery due to the optimized mounting. To further reduce potential leverage, the second connecting section can, for example, extend vertically from an end face of the outer surface, depending on the design of the guide.

[0039] Although the guide already provides support for the battery housing, 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 cross-sectional contour inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, which at least partially corresponds to a contour of an adjacent end face of the housing when connected.

[0040] In other words, the outer surface and the outer housing can form a chamfer at adjacent end faces, which are geometrically adapted to each other so that they directly abut and contact each other. Because part of the housing rests against the outer surface and is thus supported by it over a surface area, forces acting on the housing, especially, but preferably not exclusively, in the longitudinal direction, can be absorbed and distributed more effectively. In this way, vibrations in the housing can be dampened or cushioned, thus reducing the forces acting on the guide.

[0041] As an alternative or additional support, the shaft head can also have a frame-shaped or plate-shaped bracket extending from its outer surface, which is arranged in such a way that a bottom section of the housing is at least partially supported by the bracket when connected.

[0042] The bracket preferably extends from one end face of the shaft head. As described above for the contours of the respective end faces, the bracket can provide improved force and load distribution in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction can be defined by the shaft and, in particular, oriented upwards and downwards along a Z-axis, so that forces that 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, such as when the boat impacts the water. In this way, higher-powered batteries with correspondingly higher weight can also be connected to the shaft head.

[0043] Providing such a holder also has the advantage of simplifying battery connection, as the holder defines a predetermined orientation of the housing and provides additional support for the battery housing during the initial connection. Preferably, the holder has at least a partial groove on opposite sides, which is arranged and designed such that, in the connected state, it engages with a respective bottom-side projection of the housing, and the housing is bounded by the holder in at least one direction along its longitudinal axis.

[0044] The groove, or alternatively the guide, on the bracket facilitates connection and allows the housing to be held in a predetermined orientation. Preferably, the groove is designed such that the battery housing is bounded or supported by the bracket in both longitudinal directions. For example, the groove can have continuous walls spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, extending essentially in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, with the distance between the walls being dimensioned to accommodate the bottom projection.

[0045] The groove can also be divided and, for example, provided in sections, with only an upper wall on one section and only a lower wall on the adjacent or spaced-apart section to provide a longitudinal boundary upwards (shaft head side) or downwards (propeller side). It can also be provided that the groove is single-walled in only one section. For example, the holder can have a groove with only an upper wall directly at the end face of the shaft head and a double-walled groove at the opposite end. In this way, unintentional upward movement of the battery housing can be advantageously limited, and the housing can, for example, snap completely, preferably at least partially, into place at the end and be held in both longitudinal directions.

[0046] To provide an improved connection between the battery housing and the shaft head and to largely prevent accidental decoupling, the shaft head preferably includes a rotatably mounted lever which is biased into a closed position by an energy storage device. The lever includes at least one detent element which, in the connected state and in the closed position of the lever, engages with a longitudinally extending edge on the housing such that the housing is limited in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0047] The locking element and the corresponding edge securely hold the housing in the second connection section, as the locking element limits linear, horizontal, or vertical movement of the edge and thus of the battery housing. The edge is preferably held in a form-fitting manner by the locking element. The locking element can be hook-shaped and engaged with the edge by rotating or opening the lever, sliding the housing 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 pre-tensions the locking element and the edge into the closed, engaged position.The energy storage device, which is preferably designed as a mechanical spring, enables a releasable connection so that when the corresponding energy, in particular the spring force, is bridged, a rotation of the lever is enabled and the housing can be moved away from the shaft head because the edge is no longer engaged with the locking element.

[0048] The lever is preferably arranged such that, in the closed position, it is aligned parallel to the base plate or cover side of the battery housing and / or to the top of the shaft head. Preferably, the lever is designed such that it is flush with a longitudinal end of the outer surface of the shaft head. This allows for a particularly advantageous embodiment with a compact design, while further reducing the risk of accidental lever actuation.

[0049] To further facilitate securing the battery housing to the shaft head during connection, the locking element and the edge can each have a chamfer which are arranged such that, when connecting the housing to the shaft head during the sliding movement, preferably in a second connection section of the guide, they at least partially abut each other and pre-tension the lever into an open position and / or are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the connected state.

[0050] Accordingly, during a linear movement of the housing relative to the shaft head, the chamfers can slide against each other or engage with one another, thus causing a longitudinal movement of the lever. This results in the lever being pre-tensioned 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 with the opposite force applied and the lever in an open position. The chamfers and the pre-tensioning force on the lever provided by the energy storage device can facilitate movement of the housing away from the shaft head to decouple the battery.

[0051] Spacing the chamfers in the connected state ensures, for example, a positive locking mechanism and prevents unintentional preloading of the lever into an open position. The chamfers preferably have a longitudinal edge that abuts each other in the connected state, with the longitudinal edges forming the edge of the housing or at least partially the detent element of the lever.

[0052] According to a further, optional embodiment, the lever can 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.

[0053] Through contact with the end face and the torque coupling with the lever, a rotation of the lever 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 leverage effect can be provided with respect to the housing, which assists in decoupling the battery from the shaft head. When the lever is opened or disengaged, the lever arm can, for example, achieve a corresponding displacement of the housing away from an end face of the shaft head, as the corresponding torque causes a linear displacement of the housing due to a corresponding linear displacement of a projection held in a groove. Accordingly, the design of the lever can, in particular, facilitate the pushing out of the battery housing or its guide elements.

[0054] A pivot axis can preferably be provided on the lever arm. Accordingly, the shaft head can also have a recess, the recess allowing both the lever arm to be received and the lever to rotate around the offset pivot axis. It can also be provided that an opening in the respective guide, or the guide as a whole, is offset from an end face of the shaft head, with the opening being located, for example, on the top of the shaft head. This allows the leverage provided by the lever arm or lever to be further increased. The lever arm can thus facilitate decoupling to such an extent that, optionally, one-handed operation is further supported even with a higher-capacity battery. Likewise, this can optionally also allow the battery to be removed with one hand, or at least made easier. Brief description of the characters

[0055] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. These show: 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 the invention. Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the battery housing according to Figure 1 Figure 4 of the 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 in the connected state with the battery housing; Figure 7 a sectional view of the outboard motor according to Figure 6with the lever in the open position; Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the outboard motor according to Figure 7 in a fully rotated lever position; and Figure 9 a top view of a connecting element with different contact areas. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0056] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are designated with identical reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are sometimes omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0057] In Figure 1An outboard motor with a shaft head 10 and a battery 30 is shown, with a preferred process for connecting a housing 32 of the battery 30 to the shaft head 10 illustrated in a corresponding side view. As indicated by the arrows, the housing 32 can first be pivoted or rotated on or relative to the shaft head 10 to provide an initial connection. The housing 32, which contains one or more battery units, is then slid towards the shaft head 10, the sliding movement being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft or shaft head 10. This sliding movement securely connects the battery 30 or the battery housing 32 to the shaft head 10.

[0058] An electrical connection element 22 is provided on one end face of the shaft head 10, which serves for the electrically conductive connection of 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. Subsequently, the housing 32 is moved linearly or perpendicularly towards the shaft head 10. This sliding movement allows a corresponding connection element 22 on an end face of the housing 32 to be electrically connected to the connection element 22 of the shaft head 10. In particular, the connection elements 22 can provide a plug connection if, for example, they are aligned concentrically to each other after the initial pivoting movement.Accordingly, the connection between the battery 30 and the shaft head 10 or the tiller can advantageously be provided almost automatically by the mechanical connection of the housing 32 with the shaft head 10.

[0059] The pivoting movement of the housing 32 or the battery 30 is enabled by guides 13, the guides 13 being 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. The corresponding groove is provided on opposite sides of the outer surface or laterally of the shaft head 10.

[0060] The first connecting section 14 is inclined relative to the second connecting section 16 – in the present embodiment, the two connecting sections 14 and 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 and a recess at the end face, which thus widens the groove. This opening and widening facilitate the insertion of a suitable guide element, such as a projection of the battery housing 32, as shown below with regard to the Figure 1 and 2The opening and widening extend from a transition area 15, which is formed by the adjacent areas of the first and second connecting sections 14, 16. This transition area 15 is also rounded, with the lower wall of the groove in the first connecting section 14 extending at an angle of approximately 60° to 80° with respect to the longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis from the adjacent second connecting section 16. This rounding and the corresponding angle range, 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, this can provide a limit for the projection in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when the projection is included in the second connecting section 16, as is provided for in the connected state of the battery 30.

[0061] 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. The housing 32 is then pivoted in the transition area 15 of the first and second connecting sections 14, 16. This pivoting movement can be assisted, for example, by an operator of the battery 30 using a handle 34 located on the housing 32. This pivoting or rotation is further facilitated by the corresponding curvature of this transition area 15 or boundary area and provides initial support, especially since the projections are already engaged with the second connecting section 16.

[0062] Subsequently, the housing 32 is moved linearly towards the shaft head 10 due to the design of the second connecting section 16 until the respective projection abuts the end region of the second connecting section 16. In this position, the projections are positively engaged by the respective groove due to their corresponding geometries. The linear sliding movement allows the end-face connection element 22 to be connected to a corresponding end-face connection element on the battery 30 housing 32, thus forming a plug connection. The extension of the second connecting section 16 is preferably also selected such that the connection elements do not touch each other during the initial connection in the first connecting section 14.

[0063] In addition to the guides 13, the battery 30, when connected, is further held at least partially by an end face of the shaft head 10, by means of inclined side regions of the end face which have a cross-sectional contour corresponding to the contour of the adjacent contact surface of an end face of the housing 32. Accordingly, a bearing can advantageously be provided by the engagement of the housing 32 with the contour of the end face's outer surface and by the engagement of the projections with the respective guide 13.

[0064] An optional bracket 26 at the lower part of the shaft head 10 allows, as an alternative or in addition to the contours, the weight of the battery to continue to be supported and not borne exclusively by the guide or the second connecting section 16. This will be explained below with regard to Figure 2 described in more detail.

[0065] In Figure 2In a perspective view, the shaft head 10 is shown according to Figure 2 The shaft head 10 is attached to the upper end of a shaft (not shown) and is connected to a tiller 11, which serves to control the direction, rotation, and motor power of a propeller (not shown) attached to the lower end of the shaft. The propeller is, for example, mounted on a propeller shaft driven by an electric motor located in a nacelle at the lower end of the shaft. The tiller 11 is secured to the shaft head 10 by a locking device 12.

[0066] In Figure 2 The guide 13 for receiving a battery housing is shown in more detail on the outer surface of the shaft head 10. It can be seen, among other things, that the first connecting section 14 is inclined to the second connecting section 16. As above with regard to Figure 1As described, 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 has a recess at its end face, 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.

[0067] To facilitate an improved connection between the housing 32 of the battery 30 and the shaft head 10, the shaft head 10 further comprises a lever 18, wherein the lever 18 is shown here in a closed position and is biased into the closed position by an energy storage device, preferably a pre-tensioned mechanical spring (not shown). A detent element of the lever 18 is at least partially formed by an end-face chamfer 20. The chamfer 20 enables the lever 18 to move into an open position when the housing 32 of the battery 30 is connected or when the housing 32 is inserted, thus facilitating connection to the shaft head 10 by means of the second connecting section 16.The lever 18 is still arranged in line with the outer surface, so that the lever 18 does not protrude from the outer surface and additionally has a corresponding recess to facilitate operation of the lever 18.

[0068] When the housing 32 of the battery 30 is connected to the shaft head 10, the housing 32 is moved in the direction of an end face 24 of the shaft head, the sliding movement being linear and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis due to the second connecting section 16, which extends away from the end face 24. This allows the connecting element 22 arranged on the end face 24 to be connected to a corresponding connecting element on an end face of the battery housing, thus forming a plug connection.

[0069] In the perspective representation according to Figure 2The optional bracket 26 on the lower part of the shaft head 10 is shown in an improved manner. This bracket allows the weight of the battery to be supported and not borne solely by the guide 13 or the second connecting section 16. In this example, the bracket 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 bottom projection of the housing 32. The groove 28 is divided into two spaced-apart sections, one section adjacent to the end face 24 having an upper wall, and an opposite end section having an upper wall and a spaced-apart lower wall, the walls being arranged at least partially around the perimeter.Accordingly, a connected housing 32 of a battery 30 can snap into place at the end area of ​​the holder 26 and the housing 32 is supported or held by the holder 26 in both longitudinal directions.

[0070] In Figure 3A corresponding battery 30 of the outboard motor according to the invention is shown, with the housing 32 of the battery 30 shown in more detail. A handle 34 is provided at one end of the housing 32 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 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 this example, the projections 38 are rounded or semicircular, which facilitates insertion into the first connecting section 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 section 16.

[0071] When the housing 32 of the battery 30 is moved or pushed linearly towards the shaft head 10 by means of the second connecting section 16, the lever 18 can be biased into an open position due to the chamfer 20 of the lever 18, which now contacts an edge 42, so that the housing 32 can be securely attached 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 section 16 after the linear displacement, with the projections 38 being positively locked in place by the respective groove by means of a corresponding geometry. Thus, the opposite end region of the second connecting section 16 can have a similar or substantially identical curvature and dimensions to the projections 38, so that the projections 38 can be held over corresponding contact surfaces.To prevent the projections 38 from accidentally moving linearly away from the respective end area, the locking element of the lever 18 preferably also has an edge (not shown) next to the chamfer 20, which in the connected state borders on the edge 42 and is held or limited by it in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0072] 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, due to an advantageous concentric orientation, it forms a plug connection with the connection element 22 of the shaft head 10 when linearly displaced in the second connection section 16. In this way, a secure electrically conductive connection can be provided between the battery 30 and the shaft head 10, or between the tiller 11 and an outboard motor, without the need for individual screws or connecting cables.

[0073] On the bottom side of the housing 32, a projection 44 is arranged on both sides, which, in the connected state of the housing 32, engages with the groove 28 of the shaft head 10 and thus provides further support for the housing 32 in addition to the guide 13.

[0074] In the side view according to Figure 4 The extension of the guide 13 and the relative arrangement of the connecting 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), with the shorter section forming 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 connecting elements 22 as well as the optional additional support provided by the holder 26. In the connected state of the housing 32 of the battery 30, the end faces 24, 40 can also abut each other, thus providing an overall very compact design without significant gaps or protrusions on the outer surface.

[0075] An alternative or supplementary embodiment of lever 18 is shown in the perspective view according to Figure 5 As shown in the example, the locking elements can have an optional chamfer 20, which, together with an associated longitudinal edge, forms a hook shape. The longitudinal edge can engage with an adjacent edge of the housing 32, as shown 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, in the connected state of the housing 32 of the battery 30, it engages with or contacts an end face 40 of the housing 32.

[0076] To increase the leverage, the guide 13 is offset from the end face 24, with the opening 14A opening onto the upper side of the shaft head 10. The opening 14A also forms a widening of the first connecting section 14, so that the end region of the first connecting section 14 is quasi funnel-shaped or trapezoidal. This also facilitates the insertion of the projections 38 onto the housing 32.

[0077] The contact and operation of the lever arm 36 are shown in the sectional views of the Figures 6 to 8 shown in more detail. Figure 6The lever 18 is in a closed position, with both the lever 18 and the lever arm 46 being received in a receptacle of the stock head 10. The lever 18 is designed such that it is flush with the outer surface of the stock head 10 on the upper side, with a small recess provided next to the chamfers 20 to facilitate engagement in a recess of the lever 18 for actuation. When the lever 18 is actuated and moved into an open position, as shown in Figure 7As shown, the housing 32 is pushed away from the shaft head 10 within the guide 13 due to the contact of the end face 40 with the lever arm 46, whereby the rotation and the corresponding torque cause a linear translation of the housing 32. The edge 42, which, in the connected state and with the lever 18 in the closed position, aligns with the longitudinal edge on the chamfer 20 of the hook-shaped detent element, as shown in the Figures 5 and 6 The edge 42 is shown in the context of engagement. The edge 42 is also predominantly shown with an optional chamfer 48, which, during linear sliding movement of the housing 32 towards the shaft head 10, allows sliding against the chamfer 20 and optionally a preload into the open position of the lever 18.

[0078] With the lever in a fully rotated position, as 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 As shown, this can be solved in a safe and predetermined manner. Accordingly, decoupling individual screw connections and extending a mechanical locking bolt are unnecessary due to the advantageous design of the guides 13 and the corresponding arrangement of the connecting elements 22 and the provided lever 18.

[0079] An example of an advantageous embodiment of a connecting element 22 is shown in Figure 9The connection element 22 is shown in a top view. Accordingly, the connection element 22 can be configured as a socket or a plug and have different contact areas that are insulated from one another. For example, a contact area 50 can be provided for a motor connection of the outboard motor and, in particular, can be configured as two receptacles for a respective contact pin or contact stud when the connection element 22 is configured as a socket, while the corresponding contact area for a plug unit is configured as corresponding contact pins. Likewise, two contact areas 52 are provided for a plurality of contact pins, in this case four each, with these contact areas 52 being intended for connecting the battery 30 to the pin 11. Accordingly, for example, power control can be provided via the contact areas 52.

[0080] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and / or exchanged without leaving the scope of the invention. Reference symbol list

[0081] 10 Shaft head 11 Tiller 12 Locking mechanism 13 Guide 14 First connection section 14A Opening 14B Expansion 15 Transition area 16 Second connection section 18 Lever 20 Chamfer 22 Connecting element 24 End face 26 Bracket 28 Groove 30 Battery 32 Housing 34 Handle 36 Arm 38 Projection 40 End face 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) 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 are in engagement with a respective guide when connecting the housing (32) to the shaft head (10), characterized in that the guides (13) and the guide elements are configured such that the housing (32) for connecting to the shaft head (10) is first pivoted on the shaft head (10) and subsequently 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 pushing movement when connecting the housing (32) to the shaft head (10).

2. The outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the connection elements (22) are each arranged on the end face and such that they are spaced apart from one another during the pivoting movement and are aligned concentrically to one another during the pushing movement.

3. The 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. The outboard motor according to any 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 section (14) and an adjacent second connecting section (16) for the guide elements, wherein the second connecting section (16) extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and linearly and the first connecting section (14) is inclined to the second connecting section (16).

5. The outboard motor according to claim 4, wherein the first connecting section (14) is configured for pivotable mounting of the housing (32) and the second connecting section (16) is configured for slidable mounting of the housing (32).

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

7. The outboard motor according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first connecting section (14) is configured non-linearly or curvilinearly.

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

9. The outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective guide element is configured rounded or arc-shaped and / or wherein the guide (13) is rounded in the transition region (15) of the first and second connecting section (14, 16), and / or wherein the respective guide (13) is configured L-shaped or J-shaped, and / or wherein the respective guide (13) and the respective guide element are configured such that the housing (32) of the battery (30) is connectable 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 configured such that the respective guide element forms two line contacts spaced apart from one another or at least one contact surface with the respective guide (13) in the connected state of the housing (32), and / or wherein the respective guide (13) and the respective guide element are configured 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. The outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two arms (36) laterally spaced apart from one another 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 configured such that the shaft head (10) is at least partially enclosed by the housing (32) or at least partially received in the housing (32) in the connected state, and / or wherein an outer surface on an end face (24) of the shaft head (10) has a contour inclined relative to the longitudinal axis in cross-section, which at least partially corresponds to a contour of an adjacent end face (40) of the housing (32) in the connected state.

11. The outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft head (10) further has a frame-shaped or plate-shaped holder (26) extending from its outer surface, which is arranged such that a base section of the housing (32) is at least partially supported by the holder (26) in the connected state.

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

13. The outboard motor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft head (10) comprises a rotatably supported lever (18), which is biased into a closed position by an energy storage element, wherein the lever (18) comprises at least one latching element, which is in engagement with an edge (42) on the housing (32) extending in the longitudinal direction in the connected state and in the closed position of the lever (18) such that the housing (32) is delimited in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

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

15. The outboard motor according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the lever (18) has a lever arm (46), which extends in the longitudinal direction from the lever (18), wherein the lever arm (46) is in engagement with an end face (40) of the housing (32) in the connected state and is torque-coupled to the lever (18).

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