Pump device and ship propulsion machine

Abstract

To provide a technique that can improve the energy efficiency of a pump device.SOLUTION: A first shaft (32) or a second shaft (33; 33A) has a first axial hole part (33a) open from one end through to an inner periphery of a first pump part (40), and a radial hole part (33b) penetrating in a radial direction from the first axial hole portion (33a). The first pump part (40) has a first driving gear (41) and a second follower gear (42; 42B). A second pump part (50) has a first follower gear (51) and a second driving gear (52). A switching mechanism (60; 60A; 60B) has a switching operation part (61; 61A; 61B) provided in the first axial hole part (33a) and movable along an axial direction, and a switching member body (62; 62B) capable of appearing and disappearing from the radial hole part (33b) due to the displacement of the switching operation part (61; 61A; 61B).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump device and a marine propulsion unit equipped with this pump device.

Background Art

[0002] In a ship at berth, it is known that a pump device is mounted on a marine propulsion unit to swing the marine propulsion unit above the water surface or to adjust the angle of the hull in motion with respect to the water surface. As a prior art related to such a pump device and a marine propulsion unit, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] As shown in Patent Document 1, the pump device has two shafts provided in parallel with each other, and two pump parts supported by these shafts and capable of performing liquid feeding together. When the shafts are rotated by a drive source and liquid is fed from the pump parts into the cylinder, the piston and the piston rod in the cylinder are displaced. When the piston rod is displaced, the outboard motor supported swingably swings to a predetermined position.

[0004] When swinging the outboard motor above the water surface, by feeding liquid from the two pump parts into the cylinder, the heavy outboard motor is greatly displaced. On the other hand, when adjusting the angle of the hull with respect to the water surface during the running of the ship, the adjustment is performed by feeding liquid from one pump part into the cylinder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to the pump device disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when the angle of the hull is adjusted, the two pump parts both rotate, and liquid is sent to the cylinder only from one pump part. On the other hand, the working fluid sent from the other pump part flows around the cylinder. In this case, since the working fluid sent from the other pump part does not contribute to the swing of the outboard motor, the energy for circulating the working fluid is wasted. There is room for improvement in this regard.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the energy efficiency of a pump device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] As a result of intensive studies, the present inventor has found that a switching mechanism capable of switching between an on mode in which one pump part performs liquid feeding and an off mode in which it does not perform liquid feeding is provided in the pump device. Thereby, the two pump parts can be operated only when necessary, and one pump part can be stopped when unnecessary. The present invention has been completed based on this finding.

[0009] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a first shaft which is a shaft member that rotates when a drive source operates, a second shaft which is a shaft member rotatably provided in parallel with the first shaft, a first pump part and a second pump part supported by the first shaft and the second shaft and capable of sending a working fluid, a switching mechanism capable of switching between an on mode in which the second pump part performs liquid feeding and an off mode in which it does not perform liquid feeding, and the first shaft or the second shaft has a first axial hole portion opened axially from one end to the inner circumference of the first pump part, and a radial hole portion penetrating radially from the first axial hole portion, the first pump part A first drive gear which is a gear provided so as to rotate integrally with the first shaft, and a second driven gear provided on the second shaft and meshing with the first drive gear. The second pump section, a first driven gear which is a gear provided so as to be rotatable relative to the first shaft, and a second drive gear which is a gear provided so as to rotate integrally with the second shaft and meshing with the first driven gear. The switching mechanism, a switching operation section provided so as to be axially movable along the first axial hole, and a switching member body which protrudes from and retracts into the radial hole as the switching operation section is displaced, and is in the on mode when a part thereof protrudes from the radial hole and in the off mode when it is immersed in the radial hole. A pump device is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a pump device with improved energy efficiency can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0014] <Example 1> Referring to FIG. 1, a ship 10 in a stopped state is shown in FIG. 1A, and a ship 10 in a traveling state is shown in FIG. 1B.

[0015] The ship 10 includes, for example, a hull 11 on which passengers are boarding, a steering device 12 provided at the front of the hull 11 for operating the traveling direction of the hull 11, and a ship propulsion unit 20 that can rotate horizontally by operating the steering device 12. By operating the steering device 12 and adjusting the direction of the ship propulsion unit 20, the traveling direction of the hull 11 can be operated.

[0016] In addition to the above, the ship 10 may be provided with a switch for swinging the ship propulsion unit 20 up and down, a sensor for detecting the operation of this switch, a speed sensor, and a control unit for receiving the information detected by these sensors as an electric signal.

[0017] The marine propulsion unit 20 has a marine propulsion unit main body 21 provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction as a power source. A propeller 21a is provided at the lower part of the marine propulsion unit main body 21. During the mooring of the ship 10, the marine propulsion unit main body 21 is swung so that the propeller 21a is displaced above the water surface. On the other hand, during the running of the ship 10, the propeller 21a is located underwater. By rotating the propeller 21a, the hull 11 moves forward or backward.

[0018] Refer to FIG. 2. A cylinder device 22 for swinging the marine propulsion unit main body 21 (refer to FIG. 1) in the vertical direction is connected to the marine propulsion unit main body 21. The cylinder device 22 is operated by a tilt and trim device 23. In other words, the tilt and trim device 23 serves as a drive source for the cylinder device 22.

[0019] Refer to FIG. 3. The cylinder device 22 has a cylindrical cylinder 22a filled with oil inside, a piston 22b that divides the inside of the cylinder 22a into a first chamber R1 and a second chamber R2, and a piston rod 22c having one end fixed to the piston 22b and the other end extending to the outside of the cylinder 22a. The other end of the piston rod 22c is connected to the marine propulsion unit main body 21 (refer to FIG. 1).

[0020] The tilt and trim device 23 has a drive source 23a constituted by a motor, and a pump device 30 that performs liquid feeding when the drive source 23a operates.

[0021] When the pump device 30 is operated by the drive source 23a, oil is sent to the first chamber R1 or the second chamber R2. When oil is sent to the first chamber R1, the piston 22b and the piston rod 22c retract, and when oil is sent to the second chamber R2, the piston 22b and the piston rod 22c advance.

[0022] Refer to FIG. 1. As the piston rod 22c advances, the marine propulsion unit 21 (see FIG. 1) swings in a direction in which the propeller 21a rises. As the piston rod 22c retreats, the marine propulsion unit 21 (see FIG. 1) swings in a direction in which the propeller 21a descends.

[0023] Refer to FIGS. 4 and 5. The pump device 30 includes a housing 31 in which an oil flow path is formed, a first shaft 32 rotatably supported by the housing 31 and rotated by the operation of a drive source 23a, a second shaft 33 rotatably provided in parallel with the first shaft 32, a first pump section 40 and a second pump section 50 supported by the first shaft 32 and the second shaft 33 and capable of sending oil (working fluid), and a switching mechanism 60 capable of switching between an on mode in which the second pump section 50 sends liquid and an off mode in which the second pump section 50 does not send liquid.

[0024] Refer to FIG. 4 only. The pump device 30 includes a first pressure generating mechanism 70 capable of displacing the switching mechanism 60 in a first direction which is one direction (upward in the drawing) along the axis C2, a first spring 36 biasing the switching mechanism 60 in a second direction which is the opposite direction to the first direction (downward in the drawing), a second spring 37 abutting against one end of the switching mechanism 60 and biasing the switching mechanism 60 in the second direction, and a pressure regulating plug 38 abutting against the other end of the second spring 37.

[0025] The housing 31 is composed of, for example, a plurality of blocks. Each block is formed with a hole into which the first shaft 32 or the second shaft 33 is inserted, and a recess in which the first pump section 40 or the second pump section 50 is housed. Further, each block is formed with a flow path for supplying oil to the first pump section 40 or the second pump section 50, and a flow path through which the oil sent to the first chamber R1 or the second chamber R2 passes.

[0026] The first shaft 32 is a round bar-shaped member and rotates about the axis C1 when the drive source 23a operates. The first shaft 32 can rotate forward and backward.

[0027] The second shaft 33 is connected to the first pump section 40 via a switching mechanism 60, or the connection with the first pump section 40 is released. When the second shaft 33 is connected to the first pump section 40, the second shaft 33 rotates about the axis C2 when the first pump section 40 operates. When the connection between the second shaft 33 and the first pump section 40 is released, the second shaft 33 does not rotate even if the first pump section 40 operates.

[0028] The second shaft 33 has holes formed in a plurality of portions. The holes formed in the plurality of portions are, respectively, a first axially extending hole portion 33a that extends axially from one end (the end closer to the first pump section 40 than the second pump section 50) to the inner periphery of the first pump section 40, a radially extending hole portion 33b that penetrates radially from the first axially extending hole portion 33a, and a second axially extending hole portion 33c that penetrates axially from the other end (the end closer to the second pump section 50 than the first pump section 40) to the first axially extending hole portion 33a.

[0029] A groove is formed at the end on one end side of the first axially extending hole portion 33a, and a retaining ring 39 for preventing the switching mechanism 60 from coming out of the first axially extending hole portion 33a is fixed. The first axially extending hole portion 33a has a large inner diameter at the portion where the first spring 36 is housed and a small inner diameter at the portion corresponding to the inner periphery of the first pump section 40. The portion where the inner diameter changes is formed in a stepped shape and serves as a receiving portion for the first spring 36. Also, the first axially extending hole portion 33a has a larger diameter than the second axially extending hole portion 33c at the boundary portion. The step formed thereby can define the amount of movement of the switching mechanism 60 in the first direction. That is, the step formed at the boundary between the first axially extending hole portion 33a and the second axially extending hole portion 33c serves as a stopper for the switching mechanism 60.

[0030] The radially extending hole portion 33b is a cylindrical hole having a constant inner diameter and is formed at a plurality of locations.

[0031] The second axial hole portion 33c has a large inner diameter at the other end side and a small inner diameter at one end side. The portion with the large inner diameter is formed in a female screw shape.

[0032] The first pump portion 40 is a gear pump and includes a first drive gear 41 which is a gear provided so as to rotate integrally with the first shaft 32, and a second driven gear 42 provided on the second shaft 33 and meshing with the first drive gear 41.

[0033] For example, when the first shaft 32 rotates forward, the first pump portion 40 performs liquid feeding toward the first chamber R1 (see FIG. 3), and when the first shaft 32 rotates reversely, the first pump portion 40 performs liquid feeding toward the second chamber R2 (see FIG. 3).

[0034] The first drive gear 41 may be integrally formed with the first shaft 32 or may be constituted by a separate member and fixed to the first shaft 32. The first drive gear 41 rotates about the axis C1 of the first shaft 32 as the first shaft 32 rotates.

[0035] The second driven gear 42 is provided so as to be rotatable independently of the second shaft 33. A plurality of concave portions 42a recessed in a spherical shape are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second driven gear 42. The second driven gear 42 rotates about the axis C2 of the second shaft 33 as the first drive gear 41 rotates. As the first drive gear 41 and the second driven gear 42 rotate, the oil filled inside the housing 31 is sent toward the cylinder 22a (see FIG. 3).

[0036] The second pump portion 50 is a gear pump and includes a first driven gear 51 which is a gear provided so as to be rotatable relative to the first shaft 32, and a second drive gear 52 which is a gear provided so as to rotate integrally with the second shaft 33 and meshing with the first driven gear 51.

[0037] The second pump section 50 operates by the rotation of the second shaft 33 to perform liquid feeding. On the other hand, the second pump section 50 does not operate when the second shaft 33 does not rotate. Hereinafter, the state in which the second pump section 50 operates is referred to as the on mode, and the state in which it does not operate is referred to as the off mode.

[0038] For example, in the on mode, when the first shaft 32 rotates forward, the second pump section 50 performs liquid feeding toward the first chamber R1 (see FIG. 3), and when the first shaft 32 rotates reversely, the second pump section 50 performs liquid feeding toward the second chamber R2 (see FIG. 3). In the off mode, the second pump section 50 does not perform liquid feeding even when the first shaft 32 rotates.

[0039] The first driven gear 51 can use the same gear as the second driven gear 42. The first driven gear 51 does not rotate when the second shaft 33 does not rotate even when the first shaft 32 is rotating. That is, it can be said that the first driven gear 51 is provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the first shaft 32.

[0040] The second drive gear 52 may be integrally formed with the second shaft 33 or may be constituted by a separate member and fixed to the second shaft 33. The second drive gear 52 rotates about the axis C2 of the second shaft 33 as the second shaft 33 rotates.

[0041] When the second drive gear 52 and the first driven gear 51 rotate, the oil filled inside the housing 31 is sent toward the cylinder 22a (see FIG. 3).

[0042] The switching mechanism 60 includes a switching operation portion 61 provided movably along the axial direction in the first axial direction hole portion 33a, and a switching member main body 62 that can protrude from and retract into the radial direction hole portion 33b when the switching operation portion 61 is displaced.

[0043] The switching operation unit 61 has a base portion 61a located at one end side and having a seal 63 provided on its outer peripheral surface, a small-diameter portion 61b continuously formed from this base portion 61a and having a tip located inside the inner periphery of the first pump portion 40, and a large-diameter portion 61c continuously formed from this small-diameter portion 61b and having an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 61b.

[0044] In the state shown in the figure, the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 61c is in contact with the switching member main body 62. When the switching operation unit 61 is displaced in the first direction (upward in the drawing), the small-diameter portion 61b will be located inside the switching member main body 62.

[0045] The switching member main body 62 has a spherical shape. In the state shown in the figure, the switching member main body 62 is fitted in the recess 42a of the second driven gear 42. Preferably, the number of the switching member main bodies 62 is less than the number of the recesses 42a. In other words, preferably, the number of the recesses 42a is more than the number of the switching member main bodies 62. This is because it can be switched more quickly when switching to the on mode.

[0046] Refer to FIG. 6. FIG. 6A shows the pump device 30 in a state where the switching member main body 62 is fitted in the recess 42a. When the second driven gear 42 rotates in a state where the switching member main body 62 is fitted in the recess 42a, this rotational force is transmitted to the second shaft 33 via the switching mechanism 60. As a result, the second shaft 33 rotates, and the second pump portion 50 can be operated.

[0047] On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows the pump device 30 in a state where the switching member main body 62 has come out of the recess 42a. When the second driven gear 42 rotates in a state where the switching member main body 62 has come out of the recess 42a, this rotational force is not transmitted to the second shaft 33. For this reason, the second shaft 33 does not rotate, and the second pump portion 50 does not operate.

[0048] To summarize the above, the state shown in FIG. 6A can be said to be an on mode state in which the second pump portion 50 performs liquid feeding, and the state shown in FIG. 6B can be said to be an off mode state in which the second pump portion 50 does not perform liquid feeding.

[0049] The switching mechanism 60 connects the second driven gear 42 and the second shaft 33 to set it in the on mode by protruding a part of the switching member body 62 from the radial hole 33b. On the other hand, when the switching member body 62 is immersed in the radial hole 33b, the connection between the second driven gear 42 and the second shaft 33 is released, and it becomes the off mode.

[0050] Refer to FIG. 4. The switching operation part 61 is displaced in the first direction by the hydraulic pressure applied from the first pressure generating mechanism 70, and is displaced in the second direction by the biasing force received from each of the springs 36 and 37.

[0051] The first pressure generating mechanism 70 has a first hydraulic chamber H1 formed at a position adjacent to the housing 31 so as to face one end of the second shaft 33 and filled with oil. The first hydraulic chamber H1 is a space surrounded by the housing 31 and a lid portion 72 overlapped on one end of the housing 31.

[0052] For example, the first hydraulic chamber H1 may be connected to a flow path on the downstream side of the first pump section 40 or a flow path on the upstream side of the first pump section 40. Further, a valve for opening and closing the flow path and a control section for controlling the valve may be provided in these flow paths.

[0053] Refer to FIG. 6 together. When switching from the on mode (refer to 6A) to the off mode (refer to 6B), oil is sent from the first pump section 40 into the first hydraulic chamber H1. As a result, the hydraulic pressure in the first hydraulic chamber H1 rises, and the switching operation part 61 is displaced against the biasing force of each of the springs 36 and 37. When the switching operation part 61 is displaced, the small diameter part 61b moves inside the switching member body 62, and the connection state is released to become the off mode.

[0054] On the other hand, when switching from the off mode (see 6B) to the on mode (see 6A), the liquid feeding from the first pump section 40 into the first hydraulic chamber H1 is stopped, and the flow path connecting from the first hydraulic chamber H1 to the upstream of the first pump section 40 is opened. As a result, by the biasing forces of the respective springs 36 and 37, the switching operation section 61 retreats and is displaced to a position where the large-diameter section 61c abuts against the switching member main body 62. When the large-diameter section 61c abuts against the switching member main body 62, the switching member main body 62 is pushed outward in diameter, and a part thereof protrudes from the radial hole section 33b. Thereby, the second shaft 33 and the first driven gear 51 are connected, and the on mode is established.

[0055] Refer to FIGS. 1 and 4. As shown in 1A, when swinging the marine propulsion unit main body 21 while the ship 10 is at berth, the switching mechanism 60 operates both the first pump section 40 and the second pump section 50 in the on mode. On the other hand, as shown in 1B, when swinging the marine propulsion unit main body 21 while the ship 10 is in motion, the switching mechanism 60 operates only the first pump section 40 in the off mode.

[0056] Note that the switching between the on mode and the off mode can be executed, for example, by a control unit that receives information regarding a switch operation and information regarding the traveling speed of the ship 10 and opens and closes a valve provided in the flow path.

[0057] Refer to FIG. 4. The first spring 36 is constituted by, for example, a compression coil spring, one end of which abuts against the inside of the second shaft 33 and the other end of which abuts against the switching operation section 61.

[0058] The second spring 37 is constituted by, for example, a compression coil spring, one end of which abuts against the pressure regulating plug 38 and the other end of which abuts against the switching operation section 61.

[0059] The pressure regulating plug 38 is composed of a worm screw and is displaced along the axis C2 by rotation. By adjusting the position of the pressure regulating plug 38, the amount of compression of the second spring 37 can be adjusted. By adjusting the amount of compression of the second spring 37, the biasing force of the switching operation portion 61 in the second direction can be adjusted.

[0060] <Example 2> Next, Example 2 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 7. The pump device 30A according to Example 2 has a configuration of the switching mechanism 60A that is different from the pump device 30 shown in FIG. 4. Further, it has a second pressure generating mechanism 80A. Other basic configurations are common to the pump device 30. For the configurations common to the pump device 30, the reference numerals are reused and the detailed description is appropriately omitted.

[0062] The second shaft 33A has a second axial hole portion 33Ac that penetrates from the other end along the axial direction to the first axial hole portion 33Aa.

[0063] The switching operation portion 61A of the switching mechanism 60A has a small diameter portion 61Ab and a large diameter portion 61Ac that are continuously formed in the order of the small diameter portion 61Ab and the large diameter portion 61Ac with reference to the tip of the switching operation portion 61A. Further, the switching operation portion 61A has a seal member 65A provided on the outer peripheral surface for sealing the space between the inner peripheral surface of the first axial hole portion 33Aa.

[0064] The second pressure generating mechanism 80A can press the second shaft 33A in the second direction by hydraulic pressure. Further, the second pressure generating mechanism 80A includes a second hydraulic chamber H2 provided at the other end of the second shaft 33A and filled with oil. The second hydraulic chamber H2 is a space surrounded by the housing 31 and a lid portion 82A stacked on the other end of the housing 31.

[0065] For example, the second hydraulic chamber H2 may be connected to a downstream channel of the first pump section 40 or an upstream channel of the first pump section 40. Further, a valve for opening and closing the channel and a control section for controlling the valve may be provided in these channels.

[0066] The pump device 30A is in an off mode when the first pressure generating mechanism 70 is not operating (when the first hydraulic chamber H1 is not pressurized). On the other hand, when the first pressure generating mechanism 70 operates and the switching operation section 61A moves forward, the large-diameter section 61Ac contacts the switching member body 62, thereby setting it to the on mode.

[0067] <Example 3> Next, Example 3 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0068] Refer to FIGS. 8 and 9. The pump device 30B according to Example 3 has a switching mechanism 60B whose configuration is different from that of the pump device 30 shown in FIG. 4. Other basic configurations are common to the pump device 30. For the configurations common to the pump device 30, the reference numerals are reused and the detailed description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0069] The switching mechanism 60B is provided with a main body support portion 66B between the switching operation portion 61B and the switching member body 62B. The tip of the switching operation portion 61B is inserted into the main body support portion 66B, and the main body support portion 66B supports the switching member body 62B. The main body support portion 66B can expand in the radial direction. An O-ring 67BB that biases the main body support portion 66B toward the axis C2 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body support portion 66B.

[0070] A plurality of switching member bodies 62B are provided, each having a substantially cylindrical pin shape. On the other hand, a concave portion 42Ba along the outer peripheral surface shape of the switching member body 62B is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second driven gear 42B.

[0071] The main body support portion 66B is formed in a cylindrical shape by joining the flat surfaces of two semi-cylindrical parts. The portion of the inner peripheral surface of the main body support portion 66B where the tip of the switching operation portion 61B contacts is a tapered surface portion 66Ba that tapers inward toward the tip. Further, the main body support portion 66B has an insertion hole portion 66Bb that is opened in the radial direction so that the switching member main body 62B can be inserted.

[0072] When the switching operation portion 61B advances while in contact with the tapered surface portion 66Ba, since the tapered surface portion 66Ba tapers inward toward the tip, the main body support portion 66B expands in the radial direction. As a result, the switching member main body 62B supported by the main body support portion 66B protrudes radially outward and enters the on-mode.

[0073] On the other hand, when the switching operation portion 61B retreats, since the tapered surface portion 66Ba expands toward one end side of the second shaft 33, the main body support portion 66B is displaced toward the axis C2 by the biasing force of the O-ring 67B. The switching member main body 62B is immersed in the radial hole portion 33b and enters the off-mode.

[0074] The pump devices 30, 30A, and 30B described above are summarized below.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4. First, the pump device 30 includes a first shaft 32 that is a shaft member that rotates when the drive source 23a operates, a second shaft 33 that is a shaft member that is rotatably provided in parallel with the first shaft 32, a first pump portion 40 and a second pump portion 50 that are supported by the first shaft 32 and the second shaft 33 and can send the working fluid, and a switching mechanism 60 that can switch between an on-mode in which the second pump portion 50 sends the liquid and an off-mode in which the second pump portion 50 does not send the liquid.

[0076] The second shaft 33 has a first axial hole portion 33a that is opened axially from one end to the inner periphery of the first pump portion 40, and a radial hole portion 33b that penetrates radially from the first axial hole portion 33a.

[0077] The first pump section 40 includes a first drive gear 41 which is a gear provided to rotate integrally with the first shaft 32, and a second driven gear 42 provided on the second shaft 33 and meshing with the first drive gear 41. The second pump section 50 includes a first driven gear 51 which is a gear provided to be rotatable relative to the first shaft 32, and a second drive gear 52 which is a gear provided to rotate integrally with the second shaft 33 and meshing with the first driven gear 51.

[0078] The switching mechanism 60 includes a switching operation section 61 provided to be axially movable along the first axial hole portion 33a, and a switching member body 62 which protrudes from and retracts into the radial hole portion 33b as the switching operation section 61 is displaced, and is in the on mode when a part thereof protrudes from the radial hole portion 33b and is in the off mode when it is immersed in the radial hole portion 33b. The same applies to the pump devices 30A (see FIG. 7) and 30B (see FIG. 8).

[0079] Note that the switching mechanism 60 may be provided on the first shaft 32. At this time, the first shaft 32 has a first axial hole portion which is axially opened from the other end to the inner circumference of the second pump section 50, and a radial hole portion which penetrates radially from the first axial hole portion.

[0080] The pump device 30 includes a second driven gear 42 which is rotatable relative to the second shaft 33, and a switching mechanism 60 which switches to transmit or release the rotational force of the second driven gear 42 to the second shaft 33. Thereby, in the off mode, the second pump section 50 can be stopped without transmitting the rotational force of the second driven gear 42 to the second shaft 33. Compared with the case where the working fluid sent by constantly operating the second pump section 50 is bypassed, since the liquid feeding from the second pump section 50 is not performed in the off mode in the first place, the energy efficiency can be improved. A pump device with improved energy efficiency can be provided.

[0081] Also, by displacing the switching member main body 62 in the radial direction, the on-mode and off-mode are switched. For example, compared with the case where the shaft member is displaced in the axial direction when switching on and off, the pump device 30 can be made more compact in the axial direction.

[0082] Second, in the first pump device 30, the second shaft 33 is the one in which the first axial hole 33a is formed. That is, the switching mechanism 60 provided in the first axial hole 33a is provided on the second shaft 33. On the other hand, the first shaft 32 is rotated by the drive source 23a. If the switching mechanism 60 is provided on the first shaft 32, since the switching operation portion 61 is displaced in the axial direction, vibrations or the like when displaced may be transmitted to the drive source 23a side. By providing the switching mechanism 60 on the second shaft 33, the influence on the drive source 23a during the switching operation can be reduced.

[0083] Third, in the first or second pump device 30, the switching member main body 62 is spherical, and the second driven gear 42 has a concave portion formed in a concave shape so that the switching member main body 62 can be fitted on its inner peripheral surface. For example, compared with the case of performing spline fitting or the like, the processing steps required for each component can be simplified, and the pump device 30 can be easily manufactured.

[0084] Fourth, in any one of the first to third pump devices 30, a first pressure generating mechanism 70 that generates pressure inside the first axial hole 33a and displaces the switching operation portion 61 in a first direction that is the direction along the axis C2, and a first spring 36 that is disposed in the first axial hole 33a and biases the switching operation portion 61 in a second direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction. The switching between the on-mode and the off-mode can be performed quickly.

[0085] Fifth, there is a fourth pump device 30, which has a second spring 37 that abuts against one end of the switching operation portion 61 and biases the switching operation portion 61 in the second direction. The switching operation portion 61 can be biased with a greater force. Also, by arranging the two springs 36 and 37 using the places and dead spaces where they can be respectively arranged, it is not necessary to increase the size of the pump device 30 to obtain the required biasing force, which contributes to the miniaturization of the pump device 30.

[0086] Sixth, there is a fifth pump device 30. The second shaft 33 has a second axial hole portion 33c that penetrates from the other end along the axial direction to the first axial hole portion 33a. Further, there is a pressure regulating plug 38 that is disposed inside the second axial hole portion 33c so that its axial position can be adjusted and that abuts against the other end of the second spring 37. A more appropriate biasing force can be applied to the switching operation portion 61.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7. Seventh, there is a pump device 30A among the first to sixth pump devices, which has a second pressure generating mechanism 80A that presses the second shaft 33A in the second direction. By applying a force in the second direction to the second shaft 33A, the sliding resistance between the second drive gear 52 and the housing 31 can be reduced, and the second pump portion 50 can be operated smoothly.

[0088] Eighth, there is a seventh pump device 30A. The first pressure generating mechanism 70 includes a first hydraulic chamber H1 that is provided at one end of the second shaft 33A and filled with oil. The second pressure generating mechanism 80A includes a second hydraulic chamber H2 that is provided at the other end of the second shaft 33A and filled with oil.

[0089] The second shaft 33A has a second axial hole portion 33Ac that penetrates from the other end to the first axial hole portion 33Aa. The switching operation portion 61A has a seal member 65A that is provided on the outer peripheral surface and seals the space between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the first axial hole portion 33Aa.

[0090] By applying a force in the second direction to the switching operation unit 61A, the displacement of the switching operation unit 61A in the first direction can be stabilized.

[0091] Refer to FIG. 8. Ninthly, among the pump devices 30B of any one of the first, second, fourth to eighth, the switching member body 62B has a substantially cylindrical pin shape. The second driven gear 42B has a recess 42Ba formed in a concave shape on its inner peripheral surface so that the switching member body 62B can be fitted therein. In the on mode, the rotational force of the second driven gear 42B can be more reliably transmitted to the second shaft 33.

[0092] Refer to FIG. 4. Tenthly, among the pump devices 30 of any one of the first to eighth, the switching operation unit 61 has a small-diameter portion 61b and a large-diameter portion 61c having an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 61b. The small-diameter portion 61b and the large-diameter portion 61c are continuously formed in the order of the large-diameter portion 61c and the small-diameter portion 61b with reference to the tip of the switching operation unit 61, and are formed at positions facing the switching member body 62 by displacement.

[0093] When the large-diameter portion 61c abuts against the switching member body, it protrudes from the radial hole portion 33b, and when the small-diameter portion 61b is located on the inner periphery, it can be immersed in the radial hole portion 33b.

[0094] When no force in the first direction is applied to the switching operation unit 61, it is in the on mode, and it can be set to the off mode by applying a force in the first direction.

[0095] Refer to FIG. 7. Eleventhly, among the pump devices 30A of any one of the first to eighth, the switching operation unit 61A has a small-diameter portion 61Ab and a large-diameter portion 61Ac having an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 61Ab. The small-diameter portion 61Ab and the large-diameter portion 61Ac are continuously formed in the order of the small-diameter portion 61Ab and the large-diameter portion 61Ac with reference to the tip of the switching operation unit 61A, and are formed at positions facing the switching member body 62A by displacement.

[0096] When the large-diameter portion 61Ac abuts, the switching member body 62A protrudes from the radial hole portion 33b and can be immersed in the radial hole portion 33b when the small-diameter portion 61Ab is positioned on the inner circumference.

[0097] When no force in the first direction is applied to the switching operation portion 61A, it is in the off mode, and it can be set to the on mode by applying a force in the first direction.

[0098] Refer to FIGS. 1 to 3. A marine propulsion unit 20 includes any one of the first to eleventh pump devices 30, a marine propulsion unit body 21 having a propeller 21a, a cylinder 22a, a piston 22b that divides the inside of the cylinder 22a into a first chamber R1 and a second chamber R2, and a piston rod 22c having an end fixed to the piston 22b and extending from the cylinder 22a. The pump device 30 is used to supply the working fluid into the cylinder device 22 in the tilt and trim device 23.

[0099] It is also possible to appropriately combine the respective embodiments. For example, it is also possible to adopt the switching operation portion 61A or the second pressure generating mechanism 80A shown in FIG. 7 for the pump device 30 shown in FIG. 4. At this time, when having the pressure regulating plug 38, a through hole may be opened along the axis. Further, it is also possible to adopt the second spring 37 shown in FIG. 4 or the second pressure generating mechanism 80A shown in FIG. 7 for the pump device 30B shown in FIG. 8.

[0100] That is, as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0101] 20... Marine propulsion unit 21... Marine propulsion unit body, 21a... Propeller 22... Cylinder device, 22a... Cylinder, 22b... Piston, 22c... Piston rod 23… Tilt - trim device, 23a… Drive source 30… Pump device 32… First shaft 33… Second shaft, 33a… First axial hole, 33b… Radial hole, 33c… Second axial hole 36… First spring 37… Second spring 38… Pressure - regulating plug 40… First pump section 41… First drive gear 42… Second driven gear, 42a… Recess 50… Second pump section 51… First driven gear 52… Second drive gear 60… Switching mechanism 61… Switching operation part, 61a… Base part, 61b… Small - diameter part, 61c… Large - diameter part 62… Switching member body 70… First pressure - generating mechanism R1… First chamber R2… Second chamber C1… Axis (of the first shaft) C2… Axis (of the second shaft) H1… First hydraulic chamber H2… Second hydraulic chamber

Claims

1. A first shaft which is a shaft member that rotates when a drive source operates; A second shaft which is a shaft member rotatably provided in parallel with the first shaft; A first pump section and a second pump section supported by the first shaft and the second shaft and capable of sending a working fluid; A switching mechanism capable of switching between an on mode in which the second pump section sends a fluid and an off mode in which the second pump section does not send a fluid; and has, The second shaft, A first axial hole portion opened along the axial direction from one end to the inner circumference of the first pump section; A radial hole portion penetrating radially from the first axial hole portion; and has, Or, The first shaft, A first axial hole portion opened along the axial direction from the other end to the inner circumference of the second pump section; A radial hole portion penetrating radially from the first axial hole portion; and has, The first pump section, A first drive gear which is a gear provided so as to rotate integrally with the first shaft; A second driven gear provided on the second shaft and meshing with the first drive gear; and has, The second pump section, A first driven gear which is a gear provided so as to be rotatable relative to the first shaft; A second drive gear which is a gear provided so as to rotate integrally with the second shaft and meshing with the first driven gear; and has, The switching mechanism, A switching operation section movably provided along the axial direction in the first axial hole portion; A switching member body which protrudes from and retracts into the radial hole portion when the switching operation section is displaced, and enters the on mode when a part thereof protrudes from the radial hole portion, and enters the off mode when it is immersed in the radial hole portion; A pump device having.

2. The first axial hole portion is formed in the second shaft. The pump device according to claim 1.

3. The switching member body is spherical, The second driven gear has a concave portion formed in a concave shape so that the switching member body fits on its inner peripheral surface. The pump device according to claim 2.

4. A first pressure generating mechanism for generating pressure inside the first axial hole portion and displacing the switching operation portion in a first direction which is one direction along the axis; A first spring disposed in the first axial hole portion and biasing the switching operation portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The pump device according to claim 2.

5. The pump device according to claim 4, further comprising a second spring that abuts against one end of the switching operation portion and biases the switching operation portion in the second direction.

6. The second shaft has a second axial hole that penetrates from the other end to the first axial hole along the axial direction. The pump device according to claim 5, further comprising a pressure regulating plug that is disposed inside the second axial hole so that its axial position can be adjusted and that abuts against the other end of the second spring.

7. The pump device according to claim 4, further comprising a second pressure generating mechanism that presses the second shaft in the second direction.

8. The first pressure generating mechanism includes a first hydraulic chamber provided at one end of the second shaft and filled with oil. The second pressure generating mechanism includes a second hydraulic chamber provided at the other end of the second shaft and filled with oil. The second shaft has a second axial hole that penetrates from the other end to the first axial hole along the axial direction. The pump device according to claim 7, wherein the switching operation portion has a sealing member provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof and sealing between the outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the first axial hole.

9. The switching member body has a substantially cylindrical pin shape. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein the second driven gear has a recess formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof in a concave shape so that the switching member body can be fitted therein.

10. The switching operation portion has a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion having an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion. With reference to the tip of the switching operation portion, the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion are continuous in the order of the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion, and are formed at positions facing the switching member body together by displacement. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein when the large-diameter portion abuts against the switching member body, the switching member body protrudes from the radial hole, and when the small-diameter portion is located on the inner periphery, the switching member body can be immersed inside the radial hole.

11. The switching operation portion has a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion having an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion. With reference to the tip of the switching operation portion, the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion are continuous in the order of the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion, and are formed at positions facing the switching member body together by displacement. The switching member body according to claim 2, wherein when the large-diameter portion abuts, it protrudes from the radial hole and can be immersed in the radial hole portion when the small-diameter portion is located on the inner circumference. Pump device.

12. A marine propulsion machine comprising the pump device according to claim 1, A marine propulsion machine body having a propeller, A cylinder device having a cylinder, a piston that divides the inside of the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber, and a piston rod having an end fixed to the piston and extending from the cylinder, A tilt / trim device for expanding and contracting the cylinder device, The pump device is a marine propulsion machine used to supply hydraulic fluid to the inside of the cylinder device in the tilt / trim device.

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