Outboard engine and ship

Abstract

To provide an outboard engine and a ship capable of preventing corrosion of a rod contacting with water while more reliably securing the conduction between a cylinder conductive to an anode electrode and a piston and the rod moving in the cylinder.SOLUTION: An outboard engine 101 has an outboard engine body 1, a metal cylinder 50, a piston 51, and a trim rod 52 and includes a metal movable body 53 which expands / contracts the trim rod 52 by moving the piston 51. The outboard engine comprises: a cylinder device 4 which pushes up the outboard engine body 1 with the trim rod 52; an anode electrode 3 conducted with the cylinder 50; and a metal conductive member 7 provided in the cylinder 50, constructed to be elastically deformable, deforming elastically between the cylinder 50 and the movable body 53, and holding the contacting state with both the cylinder 50 and the movable body 53. The conductive member 7 secures the conductive state with the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 even when the movable body 53 moves in the cylinder 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an outboard motor and a watercraft equipped with an anode electrode for corrosion prevention. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, outboard motors and boats equipped with anticorrosive anode electrodes are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses an outboard motor that includes a clamp bracket provided with an anticorrosive anode electrode and a cylinder device installed on the clamp bracket. The cylinder device includes a cylindrical metal cylinder, a metal piston that moves inside the cylinder, and a metal rod fixed to the piston, and is configured so that the rod pushes up the outboard motor body. The rod is located below the water surface and is configured to be in contact with the water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-329828 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not specified in the above Patent Document 1, the cylindrical cylinder of the cylinder device is fixed to a clamp bracket provided with an anode electrode via a metal bolt, and is therefore electrically connected to the anode electrode via the clamp bracket. Therefore, the cylindrical cylinder of the cylinder device is protected from corrosion by the anode electrode. However, the cylindrical cylinder, the piston, and the rod are configured to slide against each other, and cannot be fixed to each other by a metal bolt or the like, so there is a disadvantage that the electrical conduction between them is not reliably ensured. Therefore, it has been desired to more reliably ensure the electrical conduction between the cylindrical cylinder, which is electrically connected to the anode electrode, and the piston and rod moving within the cylinder, to protect the rod in contact with water.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an outboard motor and a boat that more reliably ensures electrical continuity between a cylinder, which is connected to an anode electrode, and the piston and rod that move within the cylinder, thereby preventing corrosion of the rod that comes into contact with water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an outboard motor according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an outboard motor main body, a metal cylinder, and a metal moving body having a piston and a rod fixed to the piston, the piston moving within the cylinder to extend and retract the rod, and is equipped with a cylinder device that pushes up the outboard motor main body with the extendable rod, an anode electrode for corrosion prevention that is positioned under the water surface in electrical conductivity with the cylinder, and a metal conductive member that is provided within the cylinder and configured to be elastically deformable, and that maintains a state of contact with both the cylinder and the moving body by elastically deforming between the cylinder and the moving body, and the conductive member is configured to ensure electrical conductivity between the rod and the cylinder even when the moving body moves within the cylinder.

[0008] As described above, the outboard motor according to the first aspect includes an anode electrode for corrosion prevention disposed under the water surface in electrical conduction with the cylinder, and a metallic conductive member disposed within the cylinder, configured to be elastically deformable, and maintaining contact with both the cylinder and the movable body by elastically deforming between the cylinder and the movable body, and the conductive member is configured to maintain electrical conduction between the rod and the cylinder even when the movable body moves within the cylinder. This allows the conductive member to be elastically deformed and pressed against the cylinder and the movable body, so that the contact state of the conductive member with both the cylinder and the movable body (piston and rod) can be more reliably maintained, and electrical conduction between the rod and the cylinder can be more reliably maintained. Therefore, electrical conduction between the cylinder, which is electrically connected to the anode electrode, and the piston and rod (moving body) moving within the cylinder can be more reliably maintained, and the rod in contact with water can be protected from corrosion. Furthermore, as described above, by pressing the conductive member against the cylinder and the moving body, it is possible to ensure electrical continuity between the rod and the cylinder even when the moving body moves within the cylinder, so that electrical continuity can be maintained between the cylinder and the piston and rod (moving body) moving within the cylinder regardless of the extension / contraction state (extension / contraction length) of the rod.

[0009] In the outboard motor according to the first aspect, the cylinder device is preferably provided on the cylinder with the rod inserted therethrough and includes a metal cover member that seals the internal space of the cylinder, and the conductive member is provided on the piston of the movable body so as to be kept in contact with the cylinder, or on the cover member so as to be kept in contact with the movable body. With this configuration, when the conductive member is provided on the piston, the conductive member can be provided on the piston that slides against the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder. Therefore, the conductive member can be provided on the piston close to the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder, and therefore, electrical continuity between the cylinder and the rod can be easily ensured via the piston. Furthermore, when the conductive member is provided on the cover member, the conductive member can be provided on the cover member that slides against the rod. Therefore, the conductive member can be provided on the cover member close to the rod, and therefore, electrical continuity between the cylinder and the rod can be easily ensured via the cover member.

[0010] In this case, the conductive member is preferably provided on the piston of the movable body so as to maintain contact with the cylinder, and the rod and the cylinder are configured to be conductive via the piston and the conductive member. With this configuration, the conductive member can be provided on the piston, which always has a sliding surface against the cylinder even when it moves, so that the piston and the conductive member provided on the piston can more reliably ensure the conductive state between the rod and the cylinder.

[0011] In the above-mentioned configuration in which the conductive member is provided on the piston, the conductive member is preferably provided annularly on the piston along the annular outer peripheral surface of the piston that faces the annular inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. With this configuration, the conductive member can be provided annularly along the annular outer peripheral surface of the piston, so that a relatively large contact area (contact length) between the conductive member and the piston can be ensured. As a result, the conductive state between the rod and the cylinder can be more reliably ensured.

[0012] In this case, the conductive member is preferably a metal annular radial spring that generates a pressing force in a radially outward direction against the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder over the entire circumferential direction of the piston. With this configuration, the annular radial spring can press the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder with a uniform pressing force at each position in the circumferential direction, thereby more reliably ensuring the electrical connection between the rod and the cylinder.

[0013] In the above-mentioned configuration in which the rod and the cylinder are electrically connected via the piston and the conductive member, the conductive member is preferably a ball plunger including a metal ball portion, a metal compression spring portion that is elastically deformable and presses the ball portion against the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and a metal fixed portion to which the compression spring portion is attached and which is fixed to the piston. With this configuration, the ball plunger can easily ensure electrical connection between the rod and the cylinder.

[0014] In this case, preferably, a plurality of ball plungers are provided so as to be arranged at approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the piston. With this configuration, the plurality of ball plungers arranged at approximately equal angular intervals can suppress eccentricity of the piston within the cylinder, thereby suppressing an increase in sliding resistance when the piston moves.

[0015] In the configuration in which the conductive member is provided on the piston so as to follow the annular outer peripheral surface of the piston, the cylinder device is preferably a hydraulic cylinder that is driven by supplying hydraulic oil into the cylinder, and the conductive member is configured so that the hydraulic oil is always supplied to the conductive member through a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the piston. With this configuration, the conductive member can be smoothly slid while being electrically connected by the hydraulic oil when the movable body moves.

[0016] In this case, preferably, the cylinder device includes an annular oil seal provided along an outer circumferential surface of the piston, and the conductive member is provided on the piston at a position closer to the tip of the rod than the oil seal. With this configuration, the conductive member can be disposed at a position closer to the tip of the rod than the oil seal, where a relatively large space can be secured on the piston.

[0017] In the outboard motor according to the first aspect, the rod preferably includes at least one of a trim rod and a tilt rod, the cylinder device includes a trim mechanism that uses the trim rod to push up and tilt the outboard motor body, and a tilt mechanism that uses the tilt rod to push up and tilt the outboard motor body, and the conductive member is configured to ensure at least one of a conductive state between the trim rod and the cylinder and a conductive state between the tilt rod and the cylinder. With this configuration, at least one of the trim rod of the trim mechanism and the tilt rod of the tilt mechanism can be protected from corrosion by the anode electrode.

[0018] In this case, the trim mechanism is preferably disposed below the tilt mechanism, and the conductive member is provided in the trim mechanism so as to ensure electrical continuity between the trim rod and the cylinder even when the movable body moves within the cylinder. With this configuration, the trim rod of the trim mechanism, which is disposed below the tilt mechanism and below the water surface and is therefore susceptible to corrosion, can be protected from corrosion by the anode electrode.

[0019] The outboard motor according to the first aspect preferably further comprises a swivel bracket to which the outboard motor body is attached, and a clamp bracket to which the anode electrode is fixed in an electrically conductive state and which attaches the swivel bracket to the hull, and the cylinder device is fixed in an electrically conductive state to the clamp bracket, thereby ensuring electrical continuity between the anode electrode and the rod via the clamp bracket. With this configuration, the clamp bracket and the rod of the cylinder device can be protected from corrosion by a common anode electrode. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced and the device configuration can be simplified compared to when separate anode electrodes are provided for each.

[0020] A watercraft according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a hull and an outboard motor mounted on the hull, the outboard motor including an outboard motor main body, a metal cylinder, and a metal moving body having a piston and a rod fixed to the piston, the piston moving within the cylinder to extend and retract the rod, and including a cylinder device that pushes up the outboard motor main body with the extendable rod, an anti-corrosion anode electrode that is positioned under the water surface in electrical conductivity with the cylinder, and a metal conductive member that is provided within the cylinder and configured to be elastically deformable, and that maintains a state of contact with both the cylinder and the moving body by elastically deforming between the cylinder and the moving body, and the conductive member is configured to ensure electrical conductivity between the rod and the cylinder even when the moving body moves within the cylinder.

[0021] In the ship according to the second aspect, as described above, there are provided an anode electrode for corrosion prevention arranged under the water surface in a conductive state with the cylinder, and a metallic conductive member arranged inside the cylinder, configured to be elastically deformable, and maintaining a contact state with both the cylinder and the movable body by elastically deforming between the cylinder and the movable body, and the conductive member is configured to maintain a conductive state between the rod and the cylinder even when the movable body moving inside the cylinder moves. This allows the conductive member to be elastically deformed and pressed against the cylinder and the movable body, so that the contact state of the conductive member with both the cylinder and the movable body (piston and rod) can be more reliably maintained, and the conductive state between the rod and the cylinder can be more reliably maintained. Therefore, it is possible to provide a ship that can more reliably maintain the conductivity between the cylinder connected to the anode electrode and the piston and rod (moving body) moving inside the cylinder, and can prevent corrosion of the rod that comes into contact with water. Furthermore, as described above, by pressing the conductive member against the cylinder and the moving body, it is possible to ensure electrical continuity between the rod and the cylinder even when the moving body moves within the cylinder, so it is possible to provide a ship that can maintain electrical continuity between the cylinder and the piston and rod (moving body) moving within the cylinder regardless of the extension / retraction state (extension / retraction length) of the rod.

[0022] In the ship according to the second aspect, the cylinder device is preferably provided on the cylinder with the rod inserted therethrough and includes a metal cover member that seals the internal space of the cylinder, and the conductive member is provided on the piston of the moving body so as to be kept in contact with the cylinder, or on the cover member so as to be kept in contact with the moving body. With this configuration, when the conductive member is provided on the piston, the conductive member can be provided on the piston that slides against the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder. Therefore, since the conductive member can be provided on the piston close to the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder, the conductive state between the cylinder and the rod can be easily ensured through the piston. Furthermore, when the conductive member is provided on the cover member, the conductive member can be provided on the cover member that slides against the rod. Therefore, since the conductive member can be provided on the cover member close to the rod, the conductive state between the cylinder and the rod can be easily ensured through the cover member.

[0023] In this case, the conductive member is preferably provided on the piston of the movable body so as to maintain contact with the cylinder, and the rod and the cylinder are configured to be conductive via the piston and the conductive member. With this configuration, the conductive member can be provided on the piston, which always has a sliding surface against the cylinder even when it moves, so that the piston and the conductive member provided on the piston can more reliably ensure the conductive state between the rod and the cylinder.

[0024] In the above-mentioned configuration in which the conductive member is provided on the piston, the conductive member is preferably provided annularly on the piston along the annular outer peripheral surface of the piston that faces the annular inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. With this configuration, the conductive member can be provided annularly along the annular outer peripheral surface of the piston, so that a relatively large contact area (contact length) between the conductive member and the piston can be ensured. As a result, the conductive state between the rod and the cylinder can be more reliably ensured.

[0025] In this case, the conductive member is preferably a metal annular radial spring that generates a pressing force in a radially outward direction against the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder over the entire circumferential direction of the piston. With this configuration, the annular radial spring can press the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder with a uniform pressing force at each position in the circumferential direction, thereby more reliably ensuring the electrical connection between the rod and the cylinder.

[0026] In the above-mentioned configuration in which the rod and the cylinder are electrically connected via the piston and the conductive member, the conductive member is preferably a ball plunger including a metal ball portion, a metal compression spring portion that is elastically deformable and presses the ball portion against the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and a metal fixed portion to which the compression spring portion is attached and which is fixed to the piston. With this configuration, the ball plunger can easily ensure electrical connection between the rod and the cylinder.

[0027] In this case, preferably, a plurality of ball plungers are provided so as to be arranged at approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the piston. With this configuration, the plurality of ball plungers arranged at approximately equal angular intervals can suppress eccentricity of the piston within the cylinder, thereby suppressing an increase in sliding resistance when the piston moves.

[0028] In the configuration in which the conductive member is provided on the piston so as to follow the annular outer peripheral surface of the piston, the cylinder device is preferably a hydraulic cylinder that is driven by supplying hydraulic oil into the cylinder, and the conductive member is configured so that the hydraulic oil is always supplied to the conductive member through a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the piston. With this configuration, the conductive member can be smoothly slid while being electrically connected by the hydraulic oil when the movable body moves. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, as described above, electrical continuity between the cylinder, which is electrically connected to the anode electrode, and the piston and rod that move within the cylinder can be more reliably ensured, thereby preventing corrosion of the rod that comes into contact with water. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view that shows a schematic view of a boat equipped with an outboard motor according to a first (second) embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating the configuration of an outboard motor according to a first preferred embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a cylinder device, a clamp bracket, and an anode electrode of an outboard motor according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a cylinder device and a conductive member of an outboard motor according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cylinder device and a conductive member according to a second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a cylinder device and a conductive member of an outboard motor according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a partially cutaway side view showing a conductive member provided on a piston of a cylinder device according to a modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] (First embodiment) (Vessel configuration) The configuration of a boat 100 equipped with an outboard motor 101 according to a first preferred embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0033] In the drawing, FWD indicates the forward direction of the vessel 100 (forward based on the hull 100a), and BWD indicates the reverse direction of the vessel 100 (rear based on the hull 100a). In addition, L in the drawing indicates the port direction of the vessel 100 (port direction based on the hull 100a), and R indicates the starboard direction of the vessel 100 (starboard direction based on the hull 100a). In addition, Z1 in the drawing indicates the upper side of the vessel 100 (upward based on the hull 100a), and Z2 indicates the lower side of the vessel 100 (downward based on the hull 100a). In addition, in the drawing, the rotation center position of the tilt axis T is indicated by a central axis line C1 extending in the left-right direction. In addition, in the drawing, the center position extending in the axial direction of the trim rod 52 is indicated by an axis center C2. The trim rod 52 is an example of the "rod" in the claims.

[0034] The direction in which a trim rod 52 of the cylinder device 4, which will be described later, extends is indicated as direction A. Within direction A, the direction from the piston 51 side (root side) toward the tip 52a of the trim rod 52 is indicated as direction A1, and the opposite direction is indicated as direction A2. The trim rod 52 is located above the piston 51.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a boat 100 includes a hull 100a and an outboard motor 101 mounted on the hull 100a.

[0036] The outboard motor 101 includes an outboard motor body 1, a swivel bracket 2a to which the outboard motor body 1 is attached, and a clamp bracket 2b. The outboard motor 101 also includes an anode electrode 3 for corrosion prevention, a cylinder device 4 that pushes up the outboard motor body by means of an expandable trim rod 52 and a tilt rod 62, and a conductive member 7 made of metal.

[0037] The conductive member 7 (see FIG. 4) of the first embodiment is provided in a cylinder 50 (described later) of the cylinder device 4. The conductive member 7 is a member for constantly ensuring electrical continuity between the cylinder 50 of the cylinder device 4 and a moving body 53 (a piston 51 and a trim rod 52) (described later) of the cylinder device 4. The conductive member 7 will be described in detail later.

[0038] (Outboard motor body configuration) As shown in Fig. 2, the outboard motor body 1 includes a cowl 11 that houses the engine 10, an upper case 12, and a lower case 13 that is provided with a propeller 14 that generates thrust. The propeller 14 is driven by the driving force of the engine 10 transmitted through a drive shaft 15a, a gear unit 15b, and a propeller shaft 15c. The outboard motor body may include an electric motor instead of an engine as a drive source for the propeller. The outboard motor body may also be of a hybrid type that includes both an engine and an electric motor as drive sources for the propeller.

[0039] (Swivel bracket and clamp bracket configuration) The outboard motor body 1 is attached to the swivel bracket 2a via a mount (not shown). The clamp bracket 2b is configured to attach the swivel bracket 2a, to which the outboard motor body 1 is fixed, to the hull 100a in a state in which the swivel bracket 2a is rotatable about the tilt axis T. The clamp brackets 2b are a pair provided on both sides of the cylinder device 4 in the left-right direction, one on each side.

[0040] The clamp bracket 2b is fixed to the transom of the hull 100a by a bolt (not shown). The cylinder 50 of the cylinder device 4 is directly fixed to the clamp bracket 2b by a metal bolt B1 (see FIG. 3). In other words, the clamp bracket 2b and the cylinder 50 of the cylinder device 4 are conductive (electrically connected).

[0041] (Anode Electrode Configuration) The anode electrode 3 is fixed to the lower end of the clamp bracket 2b in a conductive state with respect to the clamp bracket 2b. The anode electrode 3 maintains a conductive state with the clamp bracket 2b and the cylinder device 4, and is configured to prevent corrosion (rust) of the clamp bracket 2b and the cylinder device 4, at least a portion of which is disposed below the water surface W. The anode electrode 3 is disposed below the water surface W in a conductive state with the cylinder 50 of the cylinder device 4 via the clamp bracket 2b.

[0042] The anode electrode 3 is made of a metal (a baser metal) having a higher ionization tendency than the object to be protected from corrosion. The anode electrode 3 is made of a metal (a baser metal) having a higher ionization tendency than the clamp bracket 2b and the cylinder device 4. As an example, the anode electrode 3 is made of zinc, pure aluminum, or magnesium. In addition, the clamp bracket 2b is made of an aluminum alloy, the cylinder 50 of the cylinder device 4 is made of an aluminum alloy, the trim rod 52 of the cylinder device 4 is made of stainless steel, and the piston 51 of the cylinder device 4 is made of iron (steel).

[0043] (Configuration of the cylinder device) The cylinder device 4 shown in Fig. 3 includes a trim mechanism 5 which pushes up and tilts the outboard motor body 1 with a trim rod 52, and a tilt mechanism 6 which pushes up and tilts the outboard motor body 1 with a tilt rod 62. The tilt rod 62 is disposed above the water surface W, while the trim rod 52 is disposed below the water surface W. The tilt mechanism 6 is made up of one cylinder device. The trim mechanism 5 is disposed below the tilt mechanism 6 and is made up of two cylinder devices which sandwich the tilt mechanism 6 from the left and right. The two cylinder devices which make up the tilt mechanism 6 are configured as a pair.

[0044] (Configuration of the "trim mechanism" equipped in the cylinder device) As shown in Fig. 4, the trim mechanism 5 includes a cylindrical metallic cylinder 50. The trim mechanism 5 also includes a metallic movable body 53 having a piston 51 and a trim rod 52 fixed to the piston 51. The trim mechanism 5 also includes a metallic cover member 54, an annular oil seal 55a provided on the piston 51, and an annular oil seal 55b provided on the cover member 54. Note that, as an example, the oil seals 55a and 55b are formed of rubber O-rings.

[0045] As described above, the cylinder 50 is electrically connected to the anode electrode 3 via the clamp bracket 2b (see FIG. 2). The cylinder 50, the clamp bracket 2b, and the anode electrode 3 are fixed to each other with a metal bolt B2, so that electrical continuity between them is always ensured. As an example, the cylinder 50 is formed by a single casting in which the two cylinder devices arranged side by side are integrated. The cylinder device 4 is configured to be fixed in an electrically connected state to the clamp bracket 2b, so that electrical continuity between the anode electrode 3 and the trim rod 52 is ensured via the clamp bracket 2b.

[0046] The trim mechanism 5 (cylinder device 4) is a hydraulic cylinder that is driven by hydraulic oil supplied to oil chambers 56a, 56b in the cylinder 50. The tilt mechanism 6 is also a hydraulic cylinder.

[0047] A tip 52a (the end on the A1 direction side) of the trim rod 52 protrudes from the cylinder 50 and is in direct contact with water. The trim rod 52 is fixed in contact with the piston 51 by a metal bolt B3, and a conductive state with the piston 51 is maintained. The trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 are configured to be conductive via the piston 51 and the conductive member 7. The conductive member 7 will be described in detail later.

[0048] The lid member 54 is made of metal and is provided on the cylinder 50. The lid member 54 seals the internal space of the cylinder 50. The lid member 54 is provided with a through hole 54a through which the trim rod 52 is inserted. The through hole 54a extends in the A direction.

[0049] The piston 51 divides the internal space of the cylinder 50 into two spaces, one on the A1 direction side and one on the A2 direction side. The A1 direction side space and the A2 direction side space of the internal space of the cylinder 50 form oil chambers 56a and 56b in which hydraulic oil is stored, respectively.

[0050] The moving body 53 is configured to move the piston 51 in the cylinder 50 to extend and retract the trim rod 52. The piston 51 is always entirely disposed within the cylinder 50. The amount by which the trim rod 52 protrudes from the cylinder 50 varies with the movement of the piston 51.

[0051] The annular oil seal 55a is provided along the outer circumferential surface 51a of the piston 51. The oil seal 55a separates an oil chamber 56a from an oil chamber 56b. The outer circumferential surface 51a of the piston 51 is provided with an annular groove 51b in which the annular conductive member 7 is disposed.

[0052] The groove portion 51b is provided along the outer circumferential surface 51a of the piston 51. The groove portion 51b is disposed at a position closer to the A1 direction than the oil seal 55a (at a position closer to the tip 52a of the trim rod 52 than the oil seal 55a). The groove portion 51b is disposed parallel to the piston 51.

[0053] The internal space of the groove 51b in which the conductive member 7 is disposed is in communication with the oil chamber 56a via a small gap S (see FIGS. 5 and 6) between the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50 and the outer circumferential surface 51a of the piston 51. Therefore, the internal space of the groove 51b is configured so that hydraulic oil flows from the oil chamber 56a via the gap S.

[0054] An annular oil seal 55b (see FIG. 4) is provided along the outer circumferential surface of the cover member .

[0055] (Configuration of the "tilt mechanism" equipped in the cylinder device) The tilt mechanism 6 has the same basic configuration as the trim mechanism 5, so it will be described briefly. Specifically, the tilt mechanism 6 includes a cylindrical cylinder 60, and a moving body 63 having a piston 61 and a tilt rod 62. The cylindrical cylinder 60 of the tilt mechanism 6 is maintained in a conductive state with the cylinder 50 of the trim mechanism 5.

[0056] (Configuration of Conductive Member) The conductive member 7 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is made of metal. Like the clamp bracket 2b (see Figure 2) and the cylinder device 4, the conductive member 7 is made of a metal (noble metal) that has a smaller ionization tendency than the anode electrode 3. As an example, the conductive member 7 is made of iron containing stainless steel.

[0057] The conductive member 7 is provided in the cylinder 50 of the cylinder device 4 included in the trim mechanism 5. The conductive member 7 is configured to be elastically deformable, and configured to maintain a state of contact with both the cylinder 50 and the moving body 53 by elastically deforming between the cylinder 50 and the moving body 53. As a result, the conductive member 7 is configured to ensure a conductive state between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 even when the moving body 53 moves inside the cylinder 50.

[0058] The conductive member 7 is provided on the piston 51 of the moving body 53 so as to maintain contact with the cylinder 50. Specifically, the conductive member 7 is a metallic radial spring, and is fitted in a resiliently deformed state (compressed state) into the groove portion 51b of the piston 51 of the moving body 53 so as to maintain contact with the cylinder 50.

[0059] Therefore, the conductive member 7 is provided on the piston 51 at a position (position on the A1 direction side) closer to the tip 52a (see FIG. 4) of the trim rod 52 than the oil seal 55a. In other words, the conductive member 7 is disposed on the side closer to the oil chamber 56a than the oil chamber 56b (see FIG. 4) in the A direction.

[0060] As described above, hydraulic oil flows into the internal space of groove portion 51b from oil chamber 56a through gap S. Therefore, conductive member 7 is configured such that hydraulic oil is supplied from oil chamber 56a through gap S between inner circumferential surface 50a of cylinder 50 and outer circumferential surface 51a of piston 51. Therefore, while movable body 53 is moving, the contact portion between conductive member 7 and inner circumferential surface 50a of cylinder 50, which slide against each other, is lubricated by hydraulic oil.

[0061] The conductive member 7, which is a radial spring, is provided in an annular shape on the piston 51 so as to follow the annular outer peripheral surface 51a of the piston 51, which is disposed opposite the annular inner peripheral surface 50a of the cylinder 50. The conductive member 7, which is a radial spring, is configured to generate a pressing force directed radially outward against the inner peripheral surface 50a of the cylinder 50 over the entire circumferential direction of the piston 51.

[0062] The inner diameter of cylinder 50 and the outer diameter of piston 51 are held constant without change at any position in direction A. Therefore, the gap S between inner circumferential surface 50a of cylinder 50 and outer circumferential surface 51a of piston 51 is held constant at any position in direction A.

[0063] Therefore, no matter where the movable body 53 is in direction A, the conductive member 7 generates a constant pressing force directed radially outward against the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50 in a state compressed by a constant amount. Therefore, the conductive member 7 is maintained in contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50 in both states, whether the movable body 53 is moving in direction A or is stopped.

[0064] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0065] As described above, the first embodiment includes the anode electrode 3 for corrosion prevention disposed under the water surface W in a conductive state with the cylinder 50, and the metallic conductive member 7 that is provided within the cylinder 50, configured to be elastically deformable, and that maintains a contact state with both the cylinder 50 and the moving body 53 by elastically deforming between the cylinder 50 and the moving body 53, and the conductive member 7 is configured to ensure a conductive state between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 even when the moving body 53 moves within the cylinder 50. This allows the conductive member 7 to be elastically deformed and pressed against the cylinder 50 and the moving body 53, so that the contact state of the conductive member 7 with both the cylinder 50 and the moving body 53 (the piston 51 and the trim rod 52) can be more reliably maintained, and the conductive state between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 can be more reliably ensured. Therefore, electrical continuity can be more reliably ensured between the cylinder 50, which is electrically connected to the anode electrode 3, and the piston 51 and trim rod 52 (moving body 53) moving inside the cylinder 50, and the trim rod 52 in contact with water can be protected from corrosion. Also, as described above, the conductive member 7 is pressed against the cylinder 50 and the moving body 53 to ensure electrical continuity between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 even when the moving body 53 moves inside the cylinder 50. Therefore, electrical continuity can be maintained between the cylinder 50 and the piston 51 and trim rod 52 (moving body 53) moving inside the cylinder 50, regardless of the extension / contraction state (extension / contraction length) of the trim rod 52.

[0066] In the first embodiment, as described above, the cylinder device 4 is provided on the cylinder 50 with the trim rod 52 inserted therethrough, and includes the metal cover member 54 that seals the internal space of the cylinder 50. The conductive member 7 is provided on the piston 51 of the moving body 53 so as to be kept in contact with the cylinder 50, or on the cover member 54 so as to be kept in contact with the moving body 53. In this way, when the conductive member 7 is provided on the piston 51, the conductive member 7 can be provided on the piston 51 that slides on the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50. Therefore, since the conductive member 7 can be provided on the piston 51 that is close to the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50, the conductive state between the cylinder 50 and the trim rod 52 can be easily ensured through the piston 51. In addition, when the conductive member 7 is provided on the cover member 54, the conductive member 7 can be provided on the cover member 54 that slides on the trim rod 52. Therefore, since the conductive member 7 can be provided on the cover member 54 adjacent to the trim rod 52, a conductive state between the cylinder 50 and the trim rod 52 can be easily ensured via the cover member 54.

[0067] In the first embodiment, as described above, the conductive member 7 is provided on the piston 51 of the movable body 53 so as to maintain contact with the cylinder 50, and the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 are configured to be electrically connected via the piston 51 and the conductive member 7. This allows the conductive member 7 to be provided on the piston 51, which always has a sliding surface against the cylinder 50 even when it moves, so that the piston 51 and the conductive member 7 provided on the piston 51 can more reliably ensure electrical connection between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50.

[0068] In the first embodiment, as described above, the conductive member 7 is provided annularly on the piston 51 so as to follow the annular outer peripheral surface 51a of the piston 51 that is disposed opposite the annular inner peripheral surface 50a of the cylinder 50. This allows the conductive member 7 to be provided annularly along the annular outer peripheral surface 51a of the piston 51, thereby ensuring a relatively large contact area (contact length) between the conductive member 7 and the piston 51. As a result, the conductive state between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 can be more reliably ensured.

[0069] In the first embodiment, as described above, the conductive member 7 is an annular metallic radial spring that generates a pressing force directed radially outward against the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50 over the entire circumferential direction of the piston 51. This allows the annular radial spring to press the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50 with a uniform pressing force at each position in the circumferential direction, so that the conductive state between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 can be more reliably ensured.

[0070] In the first embodiment, as described above, the cylinder device 4 is a hydraulic cylinder that is driven by supplying hydraulic oil into the cylinder 50, and the conductive member 7 is configured so that hydraulic oil is always supplied through the gap S between the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50 and the outer circumferential surface 51a of the piston 51. This allows the conductive member 7, which slides while maintaining electrical continuity, to slide smoothly due to the hydraulic oil when the movable body 53 moves.

[0071] In the first embodiment, as described above, the cylinder device 4 includes the annular oil seal 55a provided along the outer circumferential surface 51a of the piston 51, and the conductive member 7 is provided on the piston 51 at a position closer to the tip 52a of the trim rod 52 than the oil seal 55a. This makes it possible to dispose the conductive member 7 at a position closer to the tip 52a of the trim rod 52 than the oil seal 55a, where a relatively large space can be secured in the piston 51.

[0072] In the first embodiment, as described above, the rod includes at least one of the trim rod 52 and the tilt rod 62, the cylinder device 4 includes the trim mechanism 5 that pushes up and tilts the outboard motor body 1 with the trim rod 52, and the tilt mechanism 6 that pushes up and tilts the outboard motor body 1 with the tilt rod 62, and the conductive member 7 is configured to ensure at least one of a conductive state between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 and a conductive state between the tilt rod 62 and the cylinder 50. This allows at least one of the trim rod 52 of the trim mechanism 5 and the tilt rod 62 of the tilt mechanism 6 to be protected from corrosion by the anode electrode 3.

[0073] In the first embodiment, as described above, the trim mechanism 5 is disposed below the tilt mechanism 6, and the conductive member 7 is provided in the trim mechanism 5 so as to ensure electrical continuity between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 even when the movable body 53 moves within the cylinder 50. This allows the anode electrode 3 to protect the trim rod 52 of the trim mechanism 5, which is disposed below the water surface W below the tilt mechanism 6 and is therefore susceptible to corrosion.

[0074] As described above, the first embodiment further includes the swivel bracket 2a to which the outboard motor body 1 is attached, and the clamp bracket 2b to which the anode electrode 3 is fixed in an electrically conductive state and which attaches the swivel bracket 2a to the hull 100a, and the cylinder device 4 is fixed in an electrically conductive state to the clamp bracket 2b, thereby ensuring electrical continuity between the anode electrode 3 and the trim rod 52 via the clamp bracket 2b. This makes it possible to protect the clamp bracket 2b and the trim rod 52 of the cylinder device 4 from corrosion by the common anode electrode 3. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the device configuration compared to a case in which separate anode electrodes are provided for each.

[0075] Second embodiment Next, an outboard motor 201 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 7. In this second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the conductive member 7 is configured by a metallic radial spring, an example will be described in which the conductive member 207 is configured by a metallic ball plunger. Note that in the drawings, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

[0076] The outboard motor 201 of the second embodiment includes a conductive member 207 which is a metallic ball plunger, and a cylinder device 204 which includes a piston 251. The conductive member 207 which is a ball plunger includes a metallic ball portion 207a, a metallic compression spring portion 207b, and a metallic fixed portion 207c.

[0077] The compression spring portion 207b is an elastically deformable member that presses the ball portion 207a against the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50. The fixing portion 207c is configured to have the spring portion attached thereto and to be fixed to the piston 251. The fixing portion 207c is provided with a female screw portion.

[0078] The conductive member 207 (ball portion 207a, compression spring portion 207b and fixed portion 207c), like the clamp bracket 2b (see FIG. 2) and the cylinder device 204, is made of a metal (noble metal) that has a lower ionization tendency than the anode electrode 3. As an example, the conductive member 207 is made of iron containing stainless steel. Note that the ball portion, compression spring portion and fixed portion do not have to be made of the same material, and may be made of different materials.

[0079] A plurality of conductive members 207, which are ball plungers, are provided at substantially equal angular intervals θ in the circumferential direction of piston 251.

[0080] In detail, holes 251b for arranging the conductive member 207 are provided in the outer peripheral surface 51a of the piston 251 of the cylinder device 204. The holes 251b extend in the radial direction of the piston 251. A plurality of the holes 251b are provided at equal angular intervals θ in the circumferential direction of the piston 251. As an example, the equal angular intervals θ are 120 degrees, and three holes 251b are provided. The holes 251b are provided with a female screw portion into which the fixing portion 207c is screwed. Thus, three conductive members 207 are fixed to the piston 251.

[0081] In this way, the outboard motor 201 can generate a pressing force directed radially outward against the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50 in a well-balanced manner in the circumferential direction by the multiple conductive members 207 provided at approximately equal angular intervals θ around the circumferential direction of the piston 251. Therefore, the axis C2 of the trim rod 52 approximately coincides with the center of the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50 without being eccentric from the center of the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50.

[0082] The conductive member 207, which is a ball plunger, is configured to ensure electrical continuity between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 when the moving body 53 (piston 251 and trim rod 52) moving inside the cylinder 50 is stopped. Also, it is configured to ensure electrical continuity between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 even when the moving body 53 moving inside the cylinder 50 is moving.

[0083] The other configurations of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0084] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0085] In the second embodiment, as described above, the anode electrode 3 for corrosion prevention, which is disposed under the water surface W in a conductive state with the cylinder 50, and the metallic conductive member 207, which is disposed in the cylinder 50, is configured to be elastically deformable, and maintains a contact state with both the cylinder 50 and the movable body 53 by elastically deforming between the cylinder 50 and the movable body 53, are provided, and the conductive member 207 is configured to ensure a conductive state between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 even when the movable body 53 moves within the cylinder 50. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the conduction between the cylinder 50, which is conductive to the anode electrode 3, and the piston 251 and the trim rod 52 (moving body 53) moving within the cylinder 50 can be more reliably ensured, and the trim rod 52 in contact with the water can be protected from corrosion. Also, as in the first embodiment, the conduction between the cylinder 50 and the piston 251 and the trim rod 52 (moving body 53) moving within the cylinder 50 can be maintained regardless of the extension / retraction state (extension / retraction length) of the trim rod 52.

[0086] In the second embodiment, as described above, the conductive member 207 is a ball plunger including the metallic ball portion 207a, the elastically deformable metallic compression spring portion 207b that presses the ball portion 207a against the inner circumferential surface 50a of the cylinder 50, and the metallic fixed portion 207c to which the compression spring portion 207b is attached and which is fixed to the piston 251. This makes it possible to easily ensure a conductive state between the trim rod 52 and the cylinder 50 by the ball plunger.

[0087] In the second embodiment, as described above, a plurality of ball plungers constituting conductive member 207 are provided so as to be arranged at approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of piston 251. With this, the plurality of ball plungers arranged at approximately equal angular intervals can suppress eccentricity of piston 251 in cylinder 50, and therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in sliding resistance when piston 251 moves.

[0088] The other effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0089] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0090] For example, although an example has been shown in which the conductive member is provided only in the trim mechanism, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the conductive member may be provided only in the tilt mechanism. Also, in the present invention, the conductive member may be provided only in the trim mechanism and the tilt mechanism.

[0091] In the above first and second embodiments, the cylinder device is used to tilt the outboard motor body, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cylinder device may be used to raise and lower the outboard motor body vertically without tilting it.

[0092] In the above first and second embodiments, the conductive member is provided on the piston, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as in the cylinder device 304 shown in Fig. 8, the conductive member 7, which is a radial spring, may be provided on the cover member 354. Note that the conductive member, which is a ball plunger, may be provided on the cover member.

[0093] Alternatively, the conductive member may be provided in the oil chamber, rather than in the piston and the cover member. For example, the conductive member disposed in the oil chamber may be a compression spring that expands and contracts in the direction A. The compression spring is configured so that one end and the other end are in constant contact with the piston and the cylinder portion, respectively.

[0094] In the first and second embodiments, the conductive member is formed of a radial spring and a ball plunger, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the conductive member 407 may be formed of a metal contact band, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 9. The conductive member 407, which is a contact band, is provided in the groove portion 51b of the piston 51, similar to the radial spring described above. The conductive member 407, which is a contact band, is C-shaped or annular when viewed from the A direction, and is formed in a ladder shape extending in the circumferential direction of the piston 51. The conductive member 407, which is a contact band, has a central portion in the A direction protruding toward the cylinder 50 (see FIG. 4) side (diametrically outward), and contacts the cylinder 50 to press the cylinder 50 radially outward of the piston 51. The conductive member 407, which is a contact band, is configured to maintain a contact state with both the cylinder 50 and the moving body 53 by contacting the cylinder 50 and elastically deforming. The above-mentioned configuration of the contact band is merely an example. For example, the conductive member which is a contact band may have a structure different from that of the contact band shown in FIG. 9, such as having both ends in the A direction protruding toward the cylinder, instead of the central portion in the A direction.

[0095] In the above first and second embodiments, the anode electrode is fixed to the clamp bracket, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the anode electrode may be fixed to the cylinder of a cylinder device.

[0096] In the above first and second embodiments, the conductive member is provided on the piston on the A1 side of the oil seal provided on the piston, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the conductive member may be provided on the piston on the A2 side of the oil seal provided on the piston.

[0097] In the above first and second embodiments, the cylinder device is configured as a hydraulic cylinder device, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cylinder device may be configured with another driving method, such as an electric cylinder device.

[0098] In addition, in the above first and second embodiments, an example was shown in which the trim mechanism includes two cylinders, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the trim mechanism may include only one cylinder, or three or more cylinders.

[0099] In the above first and second embodiments, an example has been shown in which the conductive member is brought into direct contact with the cylinder and the piston, without directly contacting the trim rod, thereby ensuring electrical continuity between the cylinder and the trim rod via the conductive member and the piston, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the conductive member may be brought into direct contact with the cylinder and the trim rod, thereby ensuring electrical continuity between the cylinder and the trim rod via the conductive member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1 Outboard motor body 2a Swivel bracket 2b Clamp bracket 3 Anode Electrode 4, 204, 304 Cylinder device 5 Trim mechanism 6 Tilt mechanism 7, 207, 407 Conductive materials 50 cylinders 50a (cylinder) inner surface 51, 251 Piston 51a (of piston) outer surface 52 Trim rod (rod) 52a Tip 53 Mobile 54, 354 Cover member 55a Oil seal 56a Oil room 62 Tilt Rod 100 ships 100a Hull 101, 201 Outboard Motors 207a (Conductive member) ball part 207b (Conductive member) compression spring part 207c (of conductive member) fixing part S Gap W water surface

Claims

1. The outboard motor body, a cylinder device including a metal moving body having a metal cylinder, a piston, and a rod fixed to the piston, the metal moving body moving the piston within the cylinder to extend and retract the rod, the cylinder device pushing up the outboard motor body by the extendable rod; an anode electrode for corrosion prevention disposed under the water surface in electrical communication with the cylinder; a metallic conductive member that is provided within the cylinder, is configured to be elastically deformable, and maintains a state of contact with both the cylinder and the moving body by elastically deforming between the cylinder and the moving body; the conductive member is configured to ensure electrical continuity between the rod and the cylinder even when the movable body moves within the cylinder.

2. the cylinder device includes a metal cover member that is provided on the cylinder with the rod inserted therethrough and seals an internal space of the cylinder, 2. The outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is provided on the piston of the moving body so as to be kept in contact with the cylinder, or the conductive member is provided on the cover member so as to be kept in contact with the moving body.

3. the conductive member is provided on the piston of the movable body so as to be kept in contact with the cylinder, 3. The outboard motor according to claim 2, wherein the rod and the cylinder are configured to be electrically connected via the piston and the conductive member.

4. 3. The outboard motor according to claim 2, wherein the conductive member is annularly provided on the piston so as to follow an annular outer circumferential surface of the piston that is disposed opposite an annular inner circumferential surface of the cylinder.

5. 5. The outboard motor according to claim 4, wherein the conductive member is an annular metallic radial spring that generates a pressing force directed radially outwardly against the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder over the entire circumferential direction of the piston.

6. 4. The outboard motor according to claim 3, wherein the conductive member is a ball plunger including: a metallic ball portion; a metallic compression spring portion that is elastically deformable and presses the ball portion against the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder; and a metallic fixed portion to which the compression spring portion is attached and which is fixed to the piston.

7. 7. The outboard motor according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of said ball plungers are provided so as to be arranged at substantially equal angular intervals in a circumferential direction of said piston.

8. The cylinder device is a hydraulic cylinder that is driven by supplying hydraulic oil into the cylinder, 5. The outboard motor according to claim 4, wherein the conducting member is configured so that the hydraulic oil is always supplied through a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the piston.

9. the cylinder device includes an annular oil seal provided along the outer circumferential surface of the piston, 9. The outboard motor according to claim 8, wherein the conductive member is provided on the piston at a position closer to the tip of the rod than the oil seal is.

10. The rod includes at least one of a trim rod and a tilt rod, The cylinder device includes: a trim mechanism that pushes up and tilts the outboard engine body by the trim rod; a tilt mechanism that pushes up and tilts the outboard engine body by the tilt rod, 2. The outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is configured to ensure at least one of an electrical connection between the trim rod and the cylinder and an electrical connection between the tilt rod and the cylinder.

11. The trim mechanism is disposed below the tilt mechanism, 11. The outboard motor according to claim 10, wherein the conductive member is provided in the trim mechanism and configured to ensure electrical continuity between the trim rod and the cylinder even when the movable body that moves within the cylinder is moving.

12. a swivel bracket to which the outboard motor body is attached; a clamp bracket to which the anode electrode is fixed in a conductive state and which attaches the swivel bracket to a hull of a ship; 2. The outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder device is fixed to the clamp bracket in a conductive state, thereby ensuring a conductive state between the anode electrode and the rod via the clamp bracket.

13. The hull and an outboard motor mounted on the hull, The outboard motor includes: The outboard motor body, a cylinder device including a metal moving body having a metal cylinder, a piston, and a rod fixed to the piston, the metal moving body moving the piston within the cylinder to extend and retract the rod, the cylinder device pushing up the outboard motor body by the extendable rod; an anode electrode for corrosion prevention disposed under the water surface in electrical communication with the cylinder; a metallic conductive member that is provided within the cylinder, is configured to be elastically deformable, and maintains a state of contact with both the cylinder and the moving body by elastically deforming between the cylinder and the moving body, The conductive member is configured to ensure a conductive state between the rod and the cylinder even when the movable body moves within the cylinder.

14. the cylinder device includes a metal cover member that is provided on the cylinder with the rod inserted therethrough and seals an internal space of the cylinder, 14. The marine vessel according to claim 13, wherein the conductive member is provided on the piston of the moving body so as to be kept in contact with the cylinder, or is provided on the cover member so as to be kept in contact with the moving body.

15. the conductive member is provided on the piston of the movable body so as to be kept in contact with the cylinder, The watercraft according to claim 14 , wherein the rod and the cylinder are configured to be electrically connected to each other via the piston and the conductive member.

16. 15. The ship according to claim 14, wherein the conductive member is provided on the piston so as to follow an annular outer peripheral surface of the piston that is disposed opposite to an annular inner peripheral surface of the cylinder.

17. 17. The ship according to claim 16, wherein the conductive member is a metallic annular radial spring that generates a pressing force directed radially outwardly against the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder over the entire circumferential direction of the piston.

18. 16. The ship according to claim 15, wherein the conductive member is a ball plunger including: a metal ball portion; a metal compression spring portion that is elastically deformable and presses the ball portion against an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder; and a metal fixed portion to which the compression spring portion is attached and which is fixed to the piston.

19. The vessel according to claim 18 , wherein the ball plunger is provided in plurality and arranged at substantially equal angular intervals in a circumferential direction of the piston.

20. The cylinder device is a hydraulic cylinder that is driven by supplying hydraulic oil into the cylinder, 17. The ship according to claim 16, wherein the conductive member is configured so that the hydraulic oil is always supplied through a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the piston.

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