Vessel propeller and vessel

Abstract

To arrange a pair of facing covers and a top cover with accurate alignment.SOLUTION: A vessel propeller includes: an internal structure; a pair of facing covers arranged to face each other through the internal structure in a first direction along the horizontal direction and forming an opening part for exposing a top part of the internal structure; a coupling body extending in the first direction and coupling the pair of facing covers with each other; and a top cover covering the opening part and having a hook for engaging with the coupling body. The hook of the top cover engages with the coupling body for coupling the pair of facing covers with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a boat propulsion device and a boat. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, outboard motors have been known in which an internal structure, such as an engine, is covered with a plurality of covers (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 listed below). The plurality of covers include an upper cover and a pair of opposing covers. The pair of opposing covers are disposed so as to face each other across the internal structure, and form an opening that exposes an upper portion of the internal structure. The upper cover is disposed so as to cover the opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-104230 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-10992 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2019-10993 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional outboard motors, for example, one opposed cover and the other opposed cover may differ in position relative to the upper cover, making it difficult to accurately align and position the pair of opposed covers. This problem is not limited to outboard motors, but is also common to other marine propulsion devices, such as inboard / outboard motors.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms.

[0007] (1) A marine propulsion device disclosed in this specification includes an internal structure, a pair of opposing covers arranged to face each other via the internal structure in a first direction along the horizontal direction and forming an opening that exposes an upper portion of the internal structure, a connector extending in the first direction and connecting the pair of opposing covers, and an upper cover covering the opening, the upper cover having a hook that engages with the connector. According to this marine propulsion device, the hook of the upper cover engages with the connector that connects the pair of opposing covers, so that the pair of opposing covers and the upper cover can be aligned and positioned with high precision.

[0008] (2) In the marine propulsion device, the connector may be provided on each of the opposing walls of the pair of opposed covers, the hook may be provided on the underside of the upper cover, and an engagement portion between the connector and the hook may be covered by the pair of opposed covers and the upper cover. According to this marine propulsion device, the engagement portion between the connector and the hook is not exposed to the outside, thereby improving the design of the appearance of the marine propulsion device.

[0009] (3) In the above-described marine vessel propulsion device, the upper cover may be configured to rotate about the connector and be displaceable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that opens at least a portion of the opening, and may be configured to be detachable from the pair of opposing covers. According to this marine vessel propulsion device, the upper cover can be easily displaced between the closed position and the open position by rotating about the connector while maintaining the positional relationship between the three covers. Also, according to this marine vessel propulsion device, it is possible to perform work on the internal structure (e.g., maintenance work) by removing only the upper cover.

[0010] (4) In the above-described marine vessel propulsion device, a recess may be formed in one of the upper cover and the opposing cover, and a protrusion may be formed in the other of the upper cover and the opposing cover that is inserted into the recess when the upper cover is in the closed position and that is removed from the recess when the upper cover is in the open position. According to this marine vessel propulsion device, when the upper cover is in the closed position, the protrusion is inserted into the recess, so that the three covers can be aligned and positioned with greater precision.

[0011] (5) In the marine propulsion device, an elastic member may be disposed between the connector and the hook. According to this marine propulsion device, rattling of the upper cover relative to the opposing cover can be suppressed and vibrations can be absorbed.

[0012] (6) In the above marine vessel propulsion device, the internal structure may have at least one of a control device and a drive source, and may further include a first fixing member that fixes the pair of opposing covers to the internal structure, and the upper cover may cover the first fixing member. According to this marine vessel propulsion device, the upper cover can be positioned relative to the opposing covers via the internal structure. Also, according to this marine vessel propulsion device, since the first fixing member is not exposed to the outside, the design of the exterior of the marine vessel propulsion device can be improved.

[0013] (7) In the marine propulsion device, a lower peripheral end of the upper cover may be spaced apart from the pair of opposing covers. According to this marine propulsion device, it is possible to suppress a direct effect of deformation of the upper cover on the opposing covers.

[0014] (8) In the marine propulsion device, a lifting member may be provided at a position of the internal structure exposed through the opening. According to this marine propulsion device, the marine propulsion device can be hoisted by removing only the upper cover and using the lifting member.

[0015] (9) In the marine propulsion device, the hoisting portion of the hoisting member may protrude upward from the opening. According to this marine propulsion device, for example, the marine propulsion device in a lying position can be hoisted by using the hoisting member.

[0016] (10) In the marine vessel propulsion device, each of the opposed covers may have a contact portion that contacts the hook in the first direction. According to this marine vessel propulsion device, it is possible to suppress misalignment of the upper cover with respect to the pair of opposed covers in the first direction.

[0017] (11) In the above-described marine vessel propulsion device, the connector may be disposed on the rear end side of the upper cover, and may further include a second fixing member that fixes the front end side of the upper cover to the internal structure. In this marine vessel propulsion device, the rear end side of the upper cover is positioned relative to the opposing cover by a hook, while the front end side of the upper cover is fixed by the second fixing member. As a result, according to this marine vessel propulsion device, the pair of opposing covers and the upper cover can be precisely aligned, while preventing the second fixing member from affecting the aesthetic design of the marine vessel propulsion device when viewed from the rear.

[0018] (12) In the marine propulsion device, the connector may include a cylindrical body provided on one of the pair of opposed covers and an insert body provided on the other of the pair of opposed covers and inserted into the cylindrical body. With this marine propulsion device, it is possible to effectively prevent the pair of opposed covers from misaligning with each other.

[0019] (13) In the marine propulsion device, the hook may be configured to engage with a portion of the connector where the insert body is inserted into the cylindrical body. According to this marine propulsion device, the load from the hook can be distributed by a pair of opposed covers.

[0020] (14) A marine propulsion device disclosed in this specification includes an internal structure, a pair of opposing covers arranged to face each other via the internal structure in a first direction and forming an opening that exposes one side of the internal structure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a connector extending in the first direction and connecting the pair of opposing covers, and a cover covering the opening and having a hook that engages with the connector. According to this marine propulsion device, the hook of the cover engages with the connector that connects the pair of opposing covers, so that the pair of opposing covers can be aligned and positioned with high precision.

[0021] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of an outboard motor, a marine propulsion unit, a marine vessel equipped with a marine propulsion unit, and a method for aligning multiple covers. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the marine propulsion device disclosed in this specification, the pair of opposed covers and the cover can be positioned with high precision. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a ship according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a simplified configuration of an electric propulsion device; [Diagram 3] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a drive unit [Figure 4] Rear view showing the exterior configuration of the cowl [Diagram 5] Top view showing the external configuration of the cowl [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of the cowl; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing components of a connector; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between the hook and the connector; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the rotation of the upper cover [Figure 10] Top view of the electric propulsion unit with the top cover removed [Figure 11] Side view of the electric propulsion unit with the top cover removed [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric propulsion unit with the top cover removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] A. Embodiment: A-1. Ship 1 Configuration: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a boat 1 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1 and other drawings described later, arrows are shown indicating each direction based on the position of the boat 1. More specifically, in each drawing, arrows are shown indicating the front (FRONT), rear (REAR), left (LEFT), right (RIGHT), upper (UPPER), and lower (LOWER). The fore-aft direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction (vertical direction) are each perpendicular to one another. As shown in FIG. 1, the boat 1 includes a hull 10 and an electric propulsion unit 100. The electric propulsion unit 100 is an example of a boat propulsion unit.

[0025] (Configuration of hull 10) The hull 10 is the part of the boat 1 where the crew board. As shown in FIG. 1, the hull 10 has a hull main body 12 having a living space 11, a cockpit 16 installed in the living space 11, and a steering device 17 installed near the cockpit 16. The steering device 17 is a device for maneuvering the boat, and has, for example, a steering wheel, a shift / throttle lever, a joystick, a monitor, and an input device. The hull 10 also has a partition wall 13 that defines the rear end of the living space 11, and a transom 14 located at the rear end of the hull 10. A space 15 exists between the transom 14 and the partition wall 13 in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0026] (Configuration of electric propulsion device 100) FIG. 2 is a side view showing a simplified configuration of the electric propulsion unit 100. The electric propulsion unit 100 is a device that generates thrust to propel the boat 1. The electric propulsion unit 100 is an electric propulsion unit that is driven by an electric motor (an example of a drive source). Unless otherwise specified, the electric propulsion unit 100 in a reference posture will be described below. The reference posture is the posture of the electric propulsion unit 100 when the boat 1 is sailing (the posture shown in FIG. 1), and is a posture in which a propeller rotation axis L of a propeller 132, which will be described later, extends in the fore-aft direction. The fore-aft direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are each determined based on the electric propulsion unit 100 in the reference posture.

[0027] The electric propulsion unit 100 is attached to a transom 14 disposed at the rear (stern) of the hull 10 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 2, the electric propulsion unit 100 has a propulsion unit main body 101 and a suspension device 102.

[0028] (Suspension device 102) The suspension device 102 is a device that suspends the propulsion unit body 101 on the hull 10. The suspension device 102 includes a tilt shaft 104, a pair of left and right clamp brackets 106, and a connection bracket 109 (see FIG. 5 described later).

[0029] The pair of left and right clamp brackets 106 are disposed at the rear of the hull 10, spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and are fixed to the transom 14 of the hull 10, for example, by bolts. Each clamp bracket 106 has a cylindrical support portion 106a with a through hole formed therein that extends in the left-right direction.

[0030] The tilt shaft 104 is a rod-shaped member. The tilt shaft 104 is rotatably supported in a through-hole of a support portion 106a of the clamp bracket 106. A tilt axis line At, which is the center line of the tilt shaft 104, constitutes an axis line in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) during tilt operation of the electric propulsion device 100.

[0031] The connection bracket 109 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between a pair of clamp brackets 106 in the left-right direction, and is supported by a support portion 106a of the clamp bracket 106 via the tilt shaft 104 so as to be rotatable about the tilt axis At. The connection bracket 109 is fixed to a base (not shown) of the propulsion machine main body 101. The connection bracket 109 is driven to rotate about the tilt axis At relative to the clamp bracket 106 by a tilt device (not shown) including an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder.

[0032] When the connection bracket 109 rotates about the tilt axis At relative to the clamp bracket 106, the propulsion unit main body 101 fixed to the connection bracket 109 also rotates about the tilt axis At. This achieves a tilt operation that rotates the propulsion unit main body 101 up and down relative to the hull 10. The tilt operation of the electric propulsion unit 100 makes it possible to change the angle of the propulsion unit main body 101 about the tilt axis At within a range from a tilt down state in which the propeller 132 is positioned underwater (a state in which the electric propulsion unit 100 is in a reference attitude: a state shown in FIG. 2 ) to a tilt up state in which the propeller 132 is positioned above the waterline. Note that a trim operation can also be performed to adjust the attitude of the boat 1 while it is traveling by adjusting the angle of the propulsion unit main body 101 about the tilt axis At.

[0033] (Configuration of the propulsion machine body 101) The propulsion machine main body 101 includes a cowl 110, a middle housing 140, a lower housing 120, a duct 122, and a drive unit 130.

[0034] An inner structure 300 (see FIG. 10 etc. described later) is disposed on a base fixed to a connection bracket 109 of the suspension device 102. The inner structure 300 is a structure (a structure having a portion exposed to the outside when a lower cover 110U described later is removed) located at the upper part of the electric propulsion device 100 (propulsion device main body 101). In this embodiment, the inner structure 300 includes a motor control device (MCU) that controls the electric motor 134 and gear mechanism described later. The cowl 110 covers the inner structure 300. The detailed configuration of the cowl 110 will be described later.

[0035] The middle housing 140 is fixed to the lower side of the base, and the lower housing 120 is disposed below the middle housing 140. The lower housing 120 extends downward from the middle housing 140. The duct 122 is disposed below the lower housing 120. The duct 122 is formed in a tubular shape. The duct 122 is disposed at a position lower than the water surface W (see FIG. 2). The drive unit 130 is disposed inside the duct 122.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the drive unit 130. The drive unit 130 generates thrust for propelling the boat 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the drive unit 130 includes a propeller 132 and an electric motor 134. The electric motor 134 is an example of a drive source.

[0037] The propeller 132 is a rotor having multiple blades, and generates thrust by rotating. The propeller 132 is located on the inner periphery side of the duct 122, and is provided so as to be rotatable about a propeller rotation axis L in the horizontal direction. The propeller rotation axis L is parallel to the central axis of the duct 122. The duct 122 covers the entire circumference of the propeller 132, and the duct effect of the duct 122 increases the flow rate of water flowing into the duct 122.

[0038] Stator fins 133 and bearings 135 are provided on the radial inside of duct 122. Bearing 135 supports propeller 132 rotatably about propeller rotation axis L. Stator fin 133 has a plurality of fins (for example, three). The plurality of fins are arranged radially from bearing 135, lined up at equal intervals around propeller rotation axis L, and fixed to duct 122. The plurality of fins are provided behind propeller 132 so as to protrude rearward from duct 122 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0039] The electric motor 134 rotates the propeller 132. The electric motor 134 includes a rotor 136 and a stator 138. The rotor 136 and the stator 138 each have a tubular shape. The rotor 136 is disposed radially inside the stator 138. The rotor 136 and the stator 138 are disposed on the same axis. The rotor 136 is supported rotatably with respect to the duct 122. The rotor 136 rotates about a propeller rotation axis L with respect to the stator 138. The propeller 132 is disposed radially inside the rotor 136. The propeller 132 is fixed to the rotor 136 and rotates together with the rotor 136. The rotor 136 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 140. The plurality of permanent magnets 140 are disposed along the circumferential direction of the rotor 136. In FIG. 3, only one of the multiple permanent magnets 140 is labeled with the reference numeral 140, and the reference numerals of the other permanent magnets 140 are omitted.

[0040] The stator 138 is fixed to the duct 122. The stator 138 includes a plurality of coils 142. The plurality of coils 142 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the stator 138. When electricity is applied to the plurality of coils 142, an electromagnetic force that rotates the rotor 136 is generated. Note that in FIG. 3, only one of the plurality of coils 142 is given the reference numeral 142, and the reference numerals of the other coils 142 are omitted. With the above configuration, the propeller 132 generates a forward thrust force when the electric motor 134 rotates forward, and generates a backward thrust force when the electric motor 134 rotates reversely.

[0041] In the electric propulsion device 100, the lower housing 120 is attached to the middle housing 140 so as to be freely rotatable about a steering axis (axis along the up-down direction in each drawing) serving as a vertical rotation axis. The middle housing 140 accommodates a gear mechanism (not shown) for rotating the lower housing 120. As the lower housing 120 rotates, the drive unit 130 also rotates about the steering axis.

[0042] A-2. External appearance of cowl 110: Fig. 4 is a rear view showing the external configuration of cowl 110, Fig. 5 is a top view showing the external configuration of cowl 110, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the disassembled state of cowl 110. Fig. 6 shows a lower surface portion X1 of the rear end portion of upper cover 110U, which will be described later. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, cowl 110 has upper cover 110U, left cover 110L, and right cover 110R. Upper cover 110U is an example of a cover, and left cover 110L and right cover 110R are an example of a pair of opposing covers.

[0043] The left cover 110L and the right cover 110R are disposed so as to face each other in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) via the internal structure 300. The left cover 110L covers the left side of the internal structure 300, and the right cover 110R covers the right side of the internal structure 300. The lower end of each cover 110L, 110R is fixed to the internal structure 300 by a pair of lower fixing members T1, T1 (e.g., screws) (see FIG. 2). In addition, the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R form an opening H that exposes the upper part of the internal structure 300 (see FIG. 6, FIG. 10, etc.).

[0044] The shape of each cover 110L, 110R is as follows. The lower end of each cover 110L, 110R extends along the horizontal direction (front-rear direction), and the upper end of each cover 110L, 110R is inclined downward so that the distance from the lower end of each cover 110L, 110R becomes shorter as the upper end approaches the rear end of each cover 110L, 110R (see FIG. 2). The outer surface of each cover 110L, 110R has a first recessed surface 112L, 112R and a second recessed surface 114L (the second recessed surface on the right side is not shown) (see FIGS. 4 and 6). The first recessed surface 112L, 112R extends from the front end to the rear end of each cover 110L, 110R. The vertical width of the first recessed surfaces 112L, 112R narrows toward the rear end of each cover 110L, 110R. The second recessed surface 114L is formed at the rear end of the first recessed surface 112L, 112R, and is a recessed surface deeper than the first recessed surface 112L, 112R. The front end of the second recessed surface 114L opens forward. A third recessed surface 108 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the side surface of the clamp bracket 106 of the suspension device 102, and the bottom surface of this third recessed surface 108 and the bottom surface of the second recessed surface 114L are flush with each other (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 12 described later).

[0045] The upper cover 110U is disposed so as to close the opening H, and covers the upper surface side of the internal structure 300 (see FIGS. 2, 4, and 5). The upper cover 110U is shaped like a lid that opens downward, and the width from side to side becomes narrower as it approaches the rear end of the upper cover 110U.

[0046] A-3. Internal structure of cowl 110: The cowl 110 has a pair of hooks 116U and a connector 150. In this embodiment, the pair of hooks 116U and the connector 150 are both disposed inside the cowl 110 so as not to be exposed to the outside. The connector 150 extends in the left-right direction and connects the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R. The pair of hooks 116U are formed on the upper cover 110U (see the lower surface portion X1 in FIG. 6 ) and engage with the connector 150.

[0047] Specifically, the pair of hooks 116U are formed on the lower surface 114U of the upper cover 110U. The pair of hooks 116U are disposed on the front portion of the upper cover 110U. The pair of hooks 116U are disposed so as to be aligned with a gap between them in the left-right direction. Each hook 116U is formed so as to protrude downward from the lower surface 114U. Each hook 116U has a concave hook portion 115U that opens forward. Each hook 116U is in the form of a flat plate in the left-right direction. The pair of hooks 116U are connected to each other by a hook reinforcement body 117U that extends in the left-right direction, and deformation of each hook 116U is suppressed. The thickness D1 of each hook 116U is thinner than the thickness D2 of the upper cover 110U (see FIG. 8). This makes it possible to suppress the effect of deformation of hooks 116U due to thermal expansion on the shape of upper cover 110U, as compared to a configuration in which thickness D1 of hooks 116U is equal to or greater than thickness D2 of upper cover 110U, for example.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing components of the connector 150, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between the pair of hooks 116U and the connector 150. Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of the X2 portion of Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 7, the connector 150 has a screw receiver 152L, a cylindrical body 154R, and a fixing screw T (e.g., a tapping screw). The fixing screw T is an example of an insert.

[0049] The screw receiver 152L is provided on the left cover 110L. Specifically, the left cover 110L has a reinforcing portion 155L, which extends inward (right side) from an upper end surface 116L of the left cover 110L. The screw receiver 152L is provided on this reinforcing portion 155L. An insertion hole 154L penetrating in the left-right direction is formed in the screw receiver 152L. The cylinder 154R is provided on the right cover 110R. Specifically, the right cover 110R has a reinforcing portion 155R, which extends inward (left side) from an upper end surface 116R of the right cover 110R. The cylinder 154R is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction from this reinforcing portion 155R. A screw hole 156U is formed in the cylinder 154R.

[0050] The fixing screw T is inserted from the insertion hole 154L of the screw receiver 152L and screwed into the screw hole 156U of the cylindrical body 154R. This allows the connector 150 to connect the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R. In this embodiment, an elastic member 160 is disposed between the connector 150 and each hook 116U. Specifically, the elastic member 160 is a tubular body formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the cylindrical body 154R.

[0051] Each hook 116U engages with a portion of connecting body 150 where a fixing screw T provided on left cover 110L is inserted into a cylindrical body 154R provided on right cover 110R (see FIG. 8). That is, each hook 116U engages with a portion where cylindrical body 154R and fixing screw T overlap. This allows the load from hook 116U to be distributed between left cover 110L and right cover 110R.

[0052] The left cover 110L and the right cover 110R each have contact parts 153L and 153R that contact each hook 116U in the left-right direction. Specifically, the contact part 153L is an inner surface of the screw receiver 152L and contacts the left surface of the left hook 116U. The contact part 153R is formed in the reinforcement part 155R and has an inner surface that faces the inner surface of the screw receiver 152L in the left-right direction, and a cylindrical body 154R is formed on this inner surface, and the peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 154R is the contact part 153R. The contact part 153R contacts the right surface of the right hook 116U. That is, the pair of hooks 116U are sandwiched between the contact parts 153L and 153R in the left-right direction, and as a result, the movement of the pair of hooks 116U in the left-right direction is restricted. The elastic member 160 is also sandwiched between the contact portion 153L and the contact portion 153R in the left-right direction, and the movement of the elastic member 160 in the left-right direction is restricted.

[0053] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the rotation of the upper cover 110U. The upper cover 110U is configured to rotate around the connector 150 (fixing screw T) and be displaceable between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is a position that covers the opening H formed by the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R (see the upper diagram in FIG. 9). The open position is a position that opens at least a part of the opening H (see the lower diagram in FIG. 9). When the upper cover 110U is in the closed position, the upper cover 110U covers the entire opening H, and a front end 111 of the upper cover 110U is in contact with a wiring support part 310 described later.

[0054] The rear end 113 of the upper cover 110U is spaced apart in the vertical direction from both the upper end surface 116L of the left cover 110L and the upper end surface 116R of the right cover 110R. In other words, a gap U is formed between the rear end 113 of the upper cover 110U and the upper end surfaces 116L, 116R in the vertical direction. Note that, in this embodiment, the lower surface 112U of the peripheral portion of the upper cover 110U is spaced apart in the vertical direction from the upper end surfaces 116L, 116R over the entire circumference. This makes it possible to suppress the displacement or deformation of the upper cover 110U caused by the displacement or deformation of the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R (see FIG. 2).

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 9, when the upper cover 110U is in the open position, the upper cover 110U rotates around the connector 150, and the front end 111 of the upper cover 110U moves away from the wiring support portion 310. At this time, due to the presence of the gap U, the upper cover 110U can be rotated while suppressing interference with each of the covers 110L, 110R. When the upper cover 110U is moved from the closed position to the open position and the rear end 113 of the upper cover 110U is displaced rearward, the engagement between the pair of hooks 116U and the connector 150 is released, and the pair of hooks 116U can be removed from the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R.

[0056] Recesses 180L, 180R are formed on the upper end surfaces 116L, 116R of the covers 110L, 110R (see FIGS. 6 and 9). Each recess 180L, 180R opens upward. The upper cover 110U is provided with a pair of protrusions 182. Each protrusion 182 protrudes downward. The pair of protrusions 182 are inserted into the recesses 180L, 180R when the upper cover 110U is in the closed position (see the upper diagram in FIG. 9), and are removed from the recesses 180L, 180R when the upper cover 110U is in the open position (see the lower diagram in FIG. 9).

[0057] Fig. 10 is a top view of the electric propulsion device 100 with the upper cover 110U removed, Fig. 11 is a side view of the electric propulsion device 100 with the upper cover 110U removed, and Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the electric propulsion device 100 with the upper cover 110U removed. As shown in Figs. 10 and 12, the cowl 110 has four first fixing members T2 for fixing the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R to the internal structure 300. A pair of the first fixing members T2 are inserted from the left-right direction into the rear portions of the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R and fixed to the internal structure 300. Another pair of the first fixing members T2 are inserted from the top-bottom direction into the front portions of the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R and fixed to the internal structure 300. When the upper cover 110U is in the closed position, the upper cover 110U covers all of the four first fixing members T2 (see Figs. 4 and 5). Note that the first fixing members T2 are male screws, but are not limited thereto and may be engagement claws, press-fitting protrusions, or the like.

[0058] The electric propulsion device 100 further includes a wiring support part 310 and a hoisted member 320. The wiring support part 310 is tubular, and bundles the electric wires 314 connected to the internal structure 300 and leads them out to the hull 10 side. The wiring support part 310 is disposed in front of the opening H so as to protrude upward from the opening H (see FIG. 11). The wiring support part 310 is fixed to the internal structure 300 via a fixing jig 312. When the upper cover 110U is in the closed position, only a portion (the rear end part) of the wiring support part 310 is covered by the upper cover 110U (see FIGS. 2 and 5).

[0059] The lifted member 320 is a member having a through hole 322 formed therein, through which, for example, a hook (not shown) of a crane vehicle can be hung. The lifted member 320 is disposed in a position of the internal structure 300 that is exposed to the opening H. The hanging portion (through hole 322) of the lifted member 320 protrudes upward from the opening H (see FIG. 11). When the upper cover 110U is in the closed position, the entire lifted member 320 is covered by the upper cover 110U (see FIGS. 2 and 5).

[0060] The cowl 110 further has a pair of second fixing members T3 for fixing a front portion of the upper cover 110U to the internal structure 300. When the upper cover 110U is in the closed position, the front portion of the upper cover 110U is disposed so as to cover the fixing jig 312 from the front. The pair of second fixing members T3 are inserted into the front portion of the upper cover 110U from the front-rear direction and fixed to the fixing jig 312. Note that the second fixing members T3 are male screws, but are not limited thereto and may be engagement claws, press-fit protrusions, or the like.

[0061] A-4. Advantages of this embodiment: In the electric propulsion device 100 according to this embodiment, the connector 150 extends in the left-right direction and connects the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R. A pair of hooks 116U are formed on the upper cover 110U (see the lower surface portion X1 in FIG. 6) and engage with the connector 150 (see FIGS. 6 and 8). As described above, according to this embodiment, the hooks 116U of the upper cover 110U engage with the connector 150 that connects the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R, so that the left cover 110L, the right cover 110R, and the upper cover 110U can be aligned and positioned with high precision.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pair of hooks 116U and the connector 150 are both disposed inside the cowl 110 so as not to be exposed to the outside. This improves the design of the exterior of the electric propulsion device 100. The upper cover 110U is configured to be pivotable about the connector 150 (fixing screw T) and displaceable between a closed position and an open position (see FIG. 9). This allows the upper cover 110U to be pivoted about the connector 150 and easily displaced between the closed position and the open position while maintaining the positional relationship between the three covers 110U, 110L, 110R. Furthermore, work on the internal structure 300 (such as maintenance work) can be performed by removing only the upper cover 110U.

[0063] In this embodiment, the pair of protrusions 182 are inserted into the recesses 180L, 180R when the upper cover 110U is in the closed position, and are removed from the recesses 180L, 180R when the upper cover 110U is in the open position (see FIG. 9). As a result, when the upper cover 110U is in the closed position, the protrusions 182 are inserted into the recesses 180L, 180R, so that the three covers 110U, 110L, 110R can be aligned and positioned with greater precision.

[0064] In this embodiment, an elastic member 160 is disposed between the connector 150 and each hook 116U (see FIGS. 7 and 8). This makes it possible to suppress rattling of the upper cover 110U relative to the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R and to absorb vibrations.

[0065] In this embodiment, a lifted member 320 is provided in a position of the internal structure 300 that is exposed to the opening H. By removing only the upper cover 110U, the electric propulsion device 100 can be hoisted using the lifted member 320. The hoisting portion (through hole 322) of the lifted member 320 protrudes upward from the opening H (see FIG. 11). This allows the electric propulsion device 100, for example, which is laid on its side, to be hoisted using the lifted member 320.

[0066] In this embodiment, the cowl 110 further has a pair of second fixing members T3 for fixing a front portion of the upper cover 110U to the internal structure 300. This makes it possible to precisely align and dispose the left cover 110L, the right cover 110R, and the upper cover 110U, while preventing the second fixing members T3 from affecting the design of the external appearance of the electric propulsion unit 100 when viewed from the rear.

[0067] B. Variations: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0068] The configuration of the boat 1 in the above embodiment is merely one example, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the electric propulsion unit 100 is exemplified as the boat propulsion unit, but it may be, for example, an outboard motor, an inboard-outboard motor, or a jet propulsion unit. The drive source of these outboard motors or the like may be an electric motor or an engine. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the internal structure 300 including a motor control device that controls the electric motor 134 and the gear mechanism is exemplified as the internal structure, but it may be an internal structure including an engine control device or another drive source (such as an engine).

[0069] In the above embodiment, the cowl 110 may have one or three or more hooks 116U. However, if the upper cover has a configuration having multiple hooks, the position of the upper cover relative to the pair of opposing covers can be more effectively stabilized than if the upper cover had only one hook.

[0070] In the above embodiment, at least one of the hook 116U and the connector 150 may be arranged so as to be exposed to the outside. In the above embodiment, the hook 116U is configured to rotatably engage with the cylindrical connector 150 and rotate the upper cover 110U, but this is not limiting, and for example, the hook may be configured to slide in a predetermined direction (for example, forward) to engage with the connector and slide the upper cover 110U.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the connector 150 has a screw structure in which the fixing screw T is screwed into the cylindrical body 154R, but is not limited thereto and may have a press-fit structure in which an insert is press-fitted into a cylindrical body. The connector 150 does not need to include the elastic member 160. In the above embodiment, the covers 110L, 110R may be provided with the convex portion 182, and the upper cover 110U may be formed with the concave portions 180L, 180R.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the pair of opposing covers is exemplified as the left cover 110L and the right cover 110R opposing each other in the left-right direction, but this is not limited thereto, and the pair of opposing covers may be opposing each other in other directions, such as the up-down direction or the front-rear direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1: Ship 100: Electric propulsion unit 101: Propulsion unit body 110: Cowl 110L: Left cover 110R: Right cover 110U: Upper cover 116U: Hook 120: Lower housing 122: Duct 130: Drive unit 132: Propeller 134: Electric motor 150: Connector 153L: Contact part 153R: Contact part 154L: Insertion hole 154R: Cylindrical body 160: Elastic member 180L, 180R: Recess 182: Convex part 300: Internal structure 310: Wiring support part 320: Lifted member H: Opening

Claims

1. A marine propulsion device, comprising: An internal structure; a pair of opposed covers disposed to face each other across the internal structure in a first direction along a horizontal direction and forming an opening that exposes an upper portion of the internal structure; a connector extending in the first direction and connecting the pair of opposed covers to each other; an upper cover that covers the opening and has a hook that engages with the connector;

2. 2. A marine propulsion device according to claim 1, The connector is provided on each of the opposing walls of the pair of opposing covers, The hook is provided on a lower surface of the upper cover, An engagement portion between the connector and the hook is covered by the pair of opposing covers and the upper cover.

3. 3. A marine propulsion device according to claim 1, The upper cover is configured to rotate around the connecting body and be displaceable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that opens at least a portion of the opening, and is detachable from the pair of opposing covers.

4. 4. A marine propulsion device according to claim 3, A recess is formed in one of the upper cover and the opposing cover, a protrusion formed on the other of the upper cover and the opposing cover, the protrusion being inserted into the recess when the upper cover is in the closed position and being disengaged from the recess when the upper cover is in the open position.

5. A marine propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A marine propulsion device, comprising: an elastic member disposed between the connector and the hook.

6. A marine propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The internal structure has at least one of a control device and a drive source, Further, a first fixing member is provided to fix the pair of opposed covers to the internal structure, The upper cover covers the first fixing member.

7. 7. A marine propulsion device according to claim 6, A lower peripheral end of the upper cover is spaced apart from the pair of opposing covers.

8. A marine propulsion device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, A vessel propulsion device, wherein a liftable member is provided in the internal structure at a position exposed through the opening.

9. 9. A marine propulsion device according to claim 8, A marine propulsion device, wherein the suspended portion of the lifted member protrudes upward from the opening.

10. A marine propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Each of the opposing covers has a contact portion that contacts the hook in the first direction.

11. A marine propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The connector is disposed on a rear end side of the upper cover, The marine propulsion device further includes a second fixing member that fixes a front end side of the upper cover to the internal structure.

12. A marine propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The connector includes a cylindrical body provided on one of the pair of opposed covers, and an insert body provided on the other of the pair of opposed covers and inserted into the cylindrical body.

13. 13. A marine propulsion device according to claim 12, The hook engages with a portion of the connector where the insert body is inserted into the cylindrical body.

14. The hull and The marine vessel propulsion device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is attached to a rear portion of the hull; A vessel comprising:

15. A marine propulsion device, comprising: An internal structure; a pair of opposed covers arranged to face each other across the internal structure in a first direction and forming an opening that exposes one side of the internal structure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a connector extending in the first direction and connecting the pair of opposed covers to each other; a cover covering the opening, the cover having a hook that engages with the connector.

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