Boat drive

Abstract

The present invention relates to a boat drive (100) for driving a boat, comprising a motor nacelle (1) with a housing (150), wherein at least one attachment part receptacle (10) for positively receiving an attachment part (2) is provided on the housing (150).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a boat drive for driving a boat, for example a sports boat. State of the art

[0002] It is known to attach a fin to a nacelle of a boat's propulsion system, for example a boat propulsion system in the form of an outboard motor, in order to improve the hydrodynamics of the nacelle or to protect the propeller arranged on the nacelle against slight contact with the ground or when parked on land, as well as against objects floating in the water, such as wood or herbs.

[0003] Typically, the fin is cast directly onto the engine nacelle or formed integrally with the engine nacelle. This has the disadvantage that if the fin is damaged, the entire engine nacelle must be replaced.

[0004] It's also known to make the fin removable, with the fin bolted directly to the engine nacelle. However, this can lead to galvanic corrosion due to direct contact with the bolts, and replacing a damaged fin is laborious and requires tools. Description of the invention

[0005] Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved boat drive for driving a boat and a corresponding attachment.

[0006] The object is achieved by a boat drive for propelling a boat having the features of claim 1. The above-stated object is further achieved by an attachment for the boat drive having the features of claim 11. Advantageous developments of the boat drive and the attachment result from the subclaims as well as the present description and the figures.

[0007] Accordingly, a boat drive for driving a boat is proposed, comprising a motor nacelle, a housing and a connecting shaft, wherein the motor nacelle can be connected to the boat by means of the connecting shaft, wherein according to the invention at least one attachment part receptacle is provided on the housing for the positively locking reception of an attachment part.

[0008] The boat's propulsion system can, for example, be an outboard motor, which is typically mounted on the transom of a boat. It can also be a pod drive, which is mounted on a mounting plate below the boat's waterline.

[0009] The housing of the engine nacelle typically houses an electric motor, which drives the propeller, which then generates thrust through the water. The electric motor typically transfers its power to the propeller mounted on a propeller shaft. A gearbox may be located between the electric motor and the propeller shaft. However, the propeller can also be mounted directly on the electric motor's output shaft.

[0010] The direction in which the water flows toward the engine nacelle as the boat moves forward is called the current direction. The water therefore flows along the engine nacelle in the current direction.

[0011] The attachment part holder is used to hold the attachment part in a form-fitting manner. This allows the attachment part to be initially secured to the engine nacelle solely through the form-fitting connection and without the need for additional fastening devices, thus enabling both secure retention of the attachment part and easy replacement.

[0012] The engine nacelle housing can have one or more attachment mounts, allowing one or more attachments to be mounted on the engine nacelle. This makes it possible, in particular, to interchange attachments to prepare the boat's propulsion system for a specific application.

[0013] For example, a small fin can be replaced with a weed cage if the boat needs to be moved from a clear lake to a weedy environment. Or a small fin can be replaced with a larger fin if the fin's steering effect needs to be increased when converting the boat's drive from a small boat to a larger one. Or a fin can be replaced with a foil if the boat's drive needs to be prepared for use in a foiling boat.

[0014] The attachment part holder can be designed as a T-shaped profile in order to provide a secure form fit between the attachment part and the engine nacelle.

[0015] The T-shaped profile can taper against the flow direction, preferably in a wedge-shaped or conical shape. This allows for a secure attachment to the engine nacelle by sliding on an attachment designed with a mount corresponding to the attachment mount. The tapered shape, particularly the wedge shape or the conical shape, allows the attachment to be secured to the attachment mount with frictional or force-locking engagement. This allows the attachment to be pushed onto the attachment mount in a play-free position.

[0016] By running in against the direction of flow, it is also ensured that both the incoming water and a slight contact with the ground press the attachment onto the attachment holder.

[0017] The attachment mount can be designed as a tapered T-shaped profile. A T-shaped profile has a "T" shape in every cross-section, with the "T" extending away from the housing. To some extent, the upper crossbar of the "T" can be positioned at a distance from the housing so that a holding force can be exerted on the crossbar and the longitudinal bar of the "T" by a corresponding attachment.

[0018] The "T"-shaped profile can include all profiles that have a narrower extension on the housing of the engine nacelle than on the side remote from the engine nacelle. For example, the "T"-shaped profile in this sense also includes "Y"-shaped profiles or "V"-shaped profiles.

[0019] The possible wedge-shaped or conical design allows a positive connection to be created between the attachment and the attachment holder, so that optimal power transmission from the attachment to the engine nacelle and vice versa can be achieved.

[0020] A positive connection is particularly advantageous if the T-shaped groove of the attachment part and the T-shaped profile of the attachment part holder preferably touch each other over their entire surface.

[0021] In particular, this also makes it possible to achieve a frictional and / or force-locking connection so that the attachment part can be pushed onto the attachment part holder in a clampable manner.

[0022] The groove of the attachment is, in a sense, a negative impression of the outer contours of the attachment holder.

[0023] For example, an attachment with a T-shaped groove can be pushed onto a T-shaped attachment mount against its tapered shape. This pushes the groove of the attachment onto the profile of the attachment mount and, if necessary, clamps it in place with a force fit.

[0024] In particular, the tapered groove can also ensure tolerance compensation, achieving a stable connection between the fixture and the fixture despite certain manufacturing tolerances. To a certain extent, fixtures with different tolerances can form a frictionally engaged connection further forward or further back on the tapered fixture, depending on whether their groove is narrower or wider.

[0025] By detachably attaching the attachment and the nacelle housing to each other, i.e., not bolted together, a simplified casting design of the nacelle housing can be achieved, since the attachments do not need to be included in the casting mold, but only the universally applicable attachment mount. At the same time, different materials can be used for the nacelle and the attachments.

[0026] The removable attachment also reduces damage to the engine nacelle if the attachment is impacted, for example, by grounding or floating debris. In particular, the attachment can be easily replaced, thus improving the serviceability of the boat's drive system.

[0027] The attachment mount can be designed to taper against the flow direction. This allows the attachment to be pushed onto the tapered profile of the attachment mount in the direction of flow. This effectively achieves a self-locking attachment of the attachment to the attachment mount.

[0028] The attachment part receptacle can have a securing groove for providing a positive and / or frictional securing of the attachment part to the attachment part receptacle, in particular for receiving a clamping of the attachment part in the securing groove.

[0029] A locking groove can be, for example, a hole, a notch, or a recess in the profile of the attachment holder. A clamp can be, for example, a bolt, preferably a locking bolt or a cotter pin. However, a clamp can also be a screw with a nut. The clamp preferably extends vertically through the profile of the attachment holder.

[0030] In other words, the clamping can be done through a through hole and through the locking groove.

[0031] For example, the attachment can be slid onto the attachment mount with a form-fitting fit so that the through-hole of the attachment is aligned with the locking groove of the attachment mount. A bolt or screw can then be guided through the through-hole and the locking groove. The clamping prevents the attachment from shifting along the attachment mount, while the connection between the groove of the attachment and the profile of the attachment mount prevents the attachment from shifting away from the engine nacelle housing.

[0032] The locking groove can be designed to compensate for tolerances, allowing clamping even when the end positions of the attachment on the attachment holder differ due to manufacturing tolerances. This can be achieved, for example, by having a larger locking groove than the through hole.

[0033] The attachment can also have a recess at the through-hole to accommodate the clamping device. For example, such a recess can consist of a screw head or nut that can be countersunk into the attachment, so that the hydrodynamics of the attachment are not affected by the clamping. For example, the cotter pin of the locking bolt can also be located in the recess.

[0034] At least two attachment mounts can be provided on the housing, preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the direction of travel. This allows for the placement of other attachments, in addition to fins, on the engine nacelle and, if necessary, interchangeable to adapt the boat drive to a specific application.

[0035] An attachment part can preferably be positively received on the attachment part holder, wherein the attachment part is preferably a fin, a wing, a weed protection cage, a Kort nozzle or a foil.

[0036] A fin is a typical wear part of an engine nacelle, making it particularly easy to replace. A foil is a wing-shaped fin that generates additional lift. A weed guard can be used, for example, in swampy waters to protect against plants and drifting wood. A nozzle can be a Kort nozzle, for example, which improves the airflow to the propeller.

[0037] Depending on the intended use of the sports boat, a suitable attachment can be selected without having to change the engine nacelle of the boat's drive.

[0038] Furthermore, an attachment for the boat drive described above is also proposed, wherein according to the invention a groove is provided which is designed to be brought into positive engagement with the attachment receptacle of the engine nacelle.

[0039] The groove may be tapered and is preferably T-shaped and may be wedge-shaped or conical.

[0040] A through opening may be provided which is designed to receive a clamp, wherein the clamp, in the received state, runs through the securing groove of the attachment part holder.

[0041] The through opening of the attachment part can have a recess to accommodate the clamp.

[0042] Preferably, the attachment is a fin or a foil or a wing or a weed protection cage or a Kort nozzle.

[0043] The connecting shaft can be connected to the housing, preferably to the middle part of the housing.

[0044] The attachment part holder can be arranged opposite the position or at an angle to the position at which the connecting shaft is connected to the engine nacelle.

[0045] The above object is further achieved by a sports boat with a boat drive according to the invention.

[0046] Accordingly, a boat is proposed comprising a boat drive described above.

[0047] The boat can in particular be an electric boat, or the engine in the engine nacelle can be an electric motor. Short description of the characters

[0048] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. In the figures: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a motor nacelle of a boat drive with an attachment part holder; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective detailed view of the attachment part holder from Figure 1 ; Figure 3 a schematic perspective view of an attachment to be mounted on the attachment holder in the form of a fin from different perspectives; Figure 4 a schematic sectional view of the T-shaped groove of the attachment from Figure 3 ; Figure 5 a schematic perspective view of the engine nacelle of the boat propulsion system from Figure 1with mounted attachment; Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the attachment mounted on the engine nacelle from the previous figures; Figures 7A, B show further schematic sectional views of embodiments of a T-shaped profile and a T-shaped groove for receiving an alternative attachment receptacle; and Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a further engine nacelle with alternatively arranged attachment receptacles. Detailed description of preferred embodiment

[0049] 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.

[0050] In Figure 1A boat drive 100 for driving a boat is shown schematically in a perspective view, wherein only the motor nacelle 1 of the boat drive 100, which is usually arranged underwater in the operating state, is shown in detail here. The motor nacelle 1 of the boat drive 100 carries a propeller shaft 120, on which a propeller (not shown here) is arranged, which then generates the actual thrust for the boat in the water.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, an electric motor for driving the propeller shaft 120 is arranged in the engine nacelle 1. A gearbox for reducing or increasing the torque provided by the electric motor at its output shaft can also be provided in the engine nacelle 1, with the gearbox then typically being arranged between the output shaft of the electric motor and the propeller shaft 120 of the engine nacelle 1. If no gearbox is present, the output shaft of the electric motor can also be identical to the propeller shaft 120. Electronic components and cabling for operating the electric motor can also be arranged in the engine nacelle 1.

[0052] The engine nacelle 1 of the boat drive 100 is connected to the boat and, if appropriate, to other components of the boat drive 100 via a connecting shaft 110 indicated in the figure. The connecting shaft 110 provides a mechanical connection and can accommodate additional mechanical and / or electrical components.

[0053] For example, the connecting shaft 110 may be hollow and may accommodate lines for supplying the electric motor accommodated in the motor nacelle 1 with electrical energy and / or lines for transmitting control commands and / or lines for transmitting sensor data.

[0054] The boat drive 100 can, for example, be an outboard motor for propelling a boat. In the outboard motor, the connecting shaft 110 then serves to connect the motor nacelle 1 to components of the outboard motor located above the water surface, such as a transom mount, a tiller, and / or a drive battery. The connecting shaft 110 is shown tubular in the figure, but can also have a more hydrodynamically advantageous design or be surrounded by a hydrodynamically advantageous profile.

[0055] The boat drive 100 can alternatively be, for example, a pod drive for a boat, in which the engine nacelle 1 is connected via the connecting shaft 110 to a mounting plate (not shown here) arranged in the underwater area of ​​the boat.

[0056] The engine nacelle 1 of the boat drive 100 has a housing 150 which is designed to receive, hold and / or store at least the above-mentioned components of the boat drive 100. The housing 150 has, in the Figure 1 The embodiment shown has at least a central part 152, a front cap 154, and a rear cap 156. The housing parts 152, 154, 156 can be screwed or glued together and can be sealed against each other and against the environment in order to form a sealed interior space (not shown in detail here) in which the aforementioned electrical or mechanical components can be accommodated.

[0057] The middle part 152 is in the Figure 1 shown embodiment of the boat drive 100 is connected to the connecting shaft 110.

[0058] The center portion 152 of the housing 150 can be provided, for example, as a die-cast part, such as an aluminum die-cast part. The front cap 154 ​​and the rear cap 156 can also be made of aluminum. However, it is also possible to manufacture the housing parts from plastic or other metals. Seals can be inserted between the housing parts to seal the interior from the environment.

[0059] An attachment part receptacle 10 is arranged on the underside of the housing 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment part receptacle 10 is arranged on the central part 152 of the housing 150 and is positioned substantially opposite the connection of the connecting shaft 110 to the central part 152 of the housing 150.

[0060] However, the positioning of the attachment holder 10 on the housing 150 can be selected depending on the attachment to be accommodated. Two or more attachment holders 10 can also be provided to accommodate corresponding attachments on the housing 150.

[0061] The attachment part holder 10 can, for example, be formed integrally with the housing 150 of the engine nacelle 1 and, in particular, with the central part 152 of the housing 150. For this purpose, the attachment part holder 10 can, for example, be cast onto the central part 152 of the housing 150.

[0062] Alternatively, the attachment part holder 10 can also be provided as a separate part and then screwed, glued or welded to the housing 150 of the engine nacelle 1, for example to the central part 152 of the housing 150.

[0063] In Figure 2A detailed section of the central part 152 of the housing 150 of the engine nacelle 1 is shown in the area of ​​the attachment part holder 10. In the embodiment shown, the attachment part holder 10 is formed integrally with the central part 152 of the housing.

[0064] The attachment part holder 10 is designed here as a T-shaped profile in every cross-section. The T-shaped profile has a longitudinal beam 14 extending radially away from the housing of the engine nacelle 1, as well as a cross beam 16 arranged on the longitudinal beam 12. The longitudinal beam 14 and the cross beam 16 together form an attachment part holder 10 providing an undercut, on which an attachment part can be securely held in a form-fitting manner.

[0065] The T-shaped profile is thinner in the flow direction S at its front end 160 than at the rear end 162, so that an attachment can be pushed onto the attachment holder 10 and can then safely reach a positively locking receiving position.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, it is the crossbeam 16 that increases in thickness along its length from the front end 160 to the rear end 162, thereby forming a wedge-shaped structure. At the front end 160, the crossbeam 16 has a first thickness DQ1 and at the rear end 162, a second, greater thickness DQ2.

[0067] In other words, the T-shaped profile in the embodiment shown is wedge-shaped and tapered against the flow direction S.

[0068] The T-shaped profile can also be tapered overall, for example, if the width of the crossbeam 16 is also wedge-shaped along its length. Furthermore, in the tapered T-shaped profile, both the longitudinal beam 14 and the crossbeam 16 can be tapered.

[0069] The flow direction S is understood here to mean the direction of the incoming water flow during operation of the boat drive 100 when driving forward.

[0070] The thickness DL of the longitudinal beam 14 and the thicknesses DQ1, DQ2 of the transverse beam 16 can each be different. However, it is also possible that the thickness of the longitudinal beam 14 and

[0071] Crossbeams 16 along the T-shaped profile are each the same and in this way a conical taper is achieved.

[0072] The T-shaped profile may have rounded corners, which simplifies the installation of an attachment (not shown in this figure).

[0073] In addition, the attachment part holder 10 has a locking groove 12. This locking groove 12 is in the Figure 2 shown as a recess 12 in the attachment part holder 10.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, however, the securing groove 12 can also be a hole in the longitudinal beam 14 of the attachment part holder 10. In particular, the hole can be a round hole or an elongated hole. The hole can also have a rectangular cross-section.

[0075] In Figure 3 An attachment 2 in the form of a fin is shown from two different perspectives. In Figure 4 This attachment part 2 is shown in a sectional view.

[0076] In the embodiment shown, the attachment 2 is a fin that can be connected to the engine nacelle 1 via the attachment receptacle 10. The attachment 2 accordingly has a T-shaped groove 20 that is suitable for receiving the T-shaped profile of the attachment receptacle 10, in order to thereby provide a positive connection between the attachment 2 and the housing 150 of the engine nacelle 1.

[0077] The T-shaped groove 20 can be designed to be wedge-shaped or conically tapered corresponding to the shape of the attachment part holder 10, so that the attachment part 2 can be pushed onto the attachment part holder 10 in the flow direction S and finally received in a form-fitting manner in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the attachment part holder 10.

[0078] The attachment part 2, which is positively held on the attachment part holder 10, can be locked in place by positive locking, frictional locking and / or force locking.

[0079] It is particularly advantageous if the T-shaped profile of the attachment part holder 10 contacts the T-shaped groove 20 of the attachment part 2 over its entire surface in the fully pushed-on position in order to ensure optimal force transmission and to provide a play-free form fit.

[0080] As described above, the T-shaped groove 20 can be wedge-shaped or conical, particularly against the flow direction S, so that the attachment 2 is pressed onto the T-shaped profile and held there not only by the initial sliding but also by the water flow. In this way, a self-locking attachment of the attachment 2 can be achieved, which can even withstand a possible slight contact with the ground.

[0081] The attachment part 2 has a through hole 22 that extends through the T-shaped groove 20. The through hole 22 can be used to guide a screw or bolt through the attachment part 2 in order to secure and / or clamp the attachment part 2 to the attachment part holder 10 of the engine nacelle 1.

[0082] As in Figures 5 and 6 As shown, a clamping 24 can be achieved through the through hole 22 and the securing groove 12. For this purpose, the attachment 2 is fastened to the attachment receptacle 10 so that the securing groove 12 and the through hole 22 are congruent. This can be achieved, for example, by sliding the attachment 2 onto the attachment receptacle 10. Consequently, it is possible to provide appropriate clamping so that the attachment 2 is secured against slipping along the longitudinal extent of the attachment receptacle 10.

[0083] Such a clamp 24 can, for example, be a bolt, preferably a bolt with a locking pin, or a screw with a nut. The figures show the screwed clamp 24, with the screw being guided through the through hole 22 and the locking groove 12. The attachment 2 is finally secured by tightening the nut and the screw.

[0084] By passing the bolt or screw through the locking groove 12, a positive locking of the attachment part 2 is simultaneously achieved against being pushed out of the positive connection with the attachment part holder 10. This ensures that the attachment part 2 is securely held on the attachment part holder 10.

[0085] The attachment part 2 can in particular have recesses 220 on the through hole 22 (see for example in Figure 3) so as to keep the screw head and the nut below the surface of the attachment 2. The recess may, for example, be in the form of a hexagon nut to apply a counter force when the screw is screwed into the nut, the screw head then being arranged in the recess.

[0086] By providing a recess 220, the hydrodynamics of the attachment part 2 are particularly improved.

[0087] In Figure 7 Further possible profiles for the design of the attachment part holder 10 are shown, which fall under T-shaped grooves, in particular V-shaped grooves in Figure 7A and V-shaped grooves in 7B.

[0088] In Figure 8 A further embodiment of a motor nacelle 1 of a boat drive 100 is shown. The general structure corresponds to that already described above.

[0089] In this embodiment, however, the position of a further or alternative attachment part receptacle 10' is shown by way of example, which is not arranged opposite the connection of the connecting shaft 110, but in a position approximately 90° relative to the circumferential angle of the central part 152 of the housing 150.

[0090] In other words, this attachment part holder 10' is arranged at a different position on the central part 152. Depending on the application, attachment part holders 10, 10' can be arranged at suitable locations on the housing 150 of the engine nacelle 1 to hold the required attachment parts.

[0091] All attachment part holders 10, 10' have in common that they are designed to accommodate attachment parts.

[0092] In the figures, only one fin is shown as an attachment. However, it is also possible to arrange and reliably hold a weed cage, a Kort nozzle, additional fins, wings, and / or foils on the attachment mounts 10, 10' in addition to or as an alternative to the fin.

[0093] In a further alternative, two or more engine nacelles 1 of a boat drive 100 can be connected to one another via corresponding attachment part receptacles 10, 10' in order to provide a two- or multi-engine drive with several engine nacelles, which are then held by a common connecting shaft 110.

[0094] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the embodiments may be combined and / or exchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols

[0095] 1 Engine nacelle 10, 10' Attachment mount 12 Securing groove 14 Longitudinal beam 16 Transverse beam 100 Boat drive 110 Connecting shaft 120 Propeller shaft 150 Housing 152 Middle section of the housing 154 Front cap of the housing 156 Rear cap of the housing 160 Front end of the attachment mount 162 Rear end of the attachment mount 2 Attachment 20 Groove 22 Through opening 220 Recess 24 Clamping SS Flow direction DL Thickness of the longitudinal beam DQ1 Thickness of the transverse beam at the front end DQ2 Thickness of the transverse beam at the rear end

Claims

1. Boat drive (100) for driving a boat, comprising a motor nacelle (1) with a housing (150) and a connecting shaft (110), wherein the motor nacelle (1) can be connected to the boat by means of the connecting shaft (110), characterized in that at least one attachment part receptacle (10) is provided on the housing (150) for the positively receiving of an attachment part (2).

2. Boat drive (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment part holder (10) is designed as a T-shaped profile.

3. Boat drive (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the T-shaped profile tapers against the flow direction (S), preferably wedge-shaped or conical.

4. Boat propulsion (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment part holder (10) is formed in one piece with the housing (150) and / or is materially connected to the housing (150) and / or is cast onto the housing (150).

5. Boat propulsion (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment part receptacle (10) has a securing groove (12) for providing a positive and / or frictional securing of the attachment part (2) to the attachment part receptacle (10), in particular for receiving a clamp (24) of the attachment part (2) in the securing groove (12).

6. Boat drive (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking groove (12) has a tolerance compensation.

7. Boat propulsion (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two attachment part receptacles (10) are provided on the housing (150), preferably in an arrangement symmetrical with respect to the direction of travel.

8. Boat propulsion (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an attachment (2) is positively received on the attachment holder (10), wherein the attachment (2) is preferably a fin, a wing, a weed protection cage, a Kort nozzle or a foil.

9. Boat propulsion (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting shaft (110) is connected to the housing (150), preferably to the middle part (152) of the housing (150).

10. Boat propulsion (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment part holder (10) is arranged opposite the position or at an angle to the position at which the connecting shaft (110) is connected to the engine nacelle (1).

11. Attachment (2) for a boat drive (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a groove (20) which is designed to be brought into positive engagement with the attachment part receptacle (10) of the housing (150) of the engine nacelle (1).

12. Attachment (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the groove (20) is T-shaped and preferably has a wedge-shaped or conical shape.

13. Attachment (2) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized bya through opening (22) for receiving a clamp (24), wherein the clamp (24) in the received state runs through the securing groove (12) of the attachment part holder (10).

14. Attachment (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the through opening (22) has a recess (220) for receiving the clamp (24).

15. Attachment (2) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the attachment (2) is a fin or a foil or a wing or a weed protection cage or a Kort nozzle.

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