Propulsion device, watercraft propulsion unit, and watercraft with watercraft propulsion unit

Abstract

To provide a propulsion device capable of simultaneously attaining compactification of an intake structure and improvement of an intake noise reduction effect.SOLUTION: A watercraft propulsion unit 100 includes an engine body 141, a throttle body 150, an intake passage 152 and a resonator 153. The throttle body 150 supplies air to the engine body 141. The intake passage 152 is connected to the throttle body 150 on the upstream side of the throttle body 150. The intake passage 152 includes: an intake inlet 152a for sucking air; and an intake outlet 152b for guiding air to the throttle body 150. The resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 to reduce intake noise of air. A volume VR of an internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than a volume VI of an internal space SI of the intake passage 152 defined between the intake inlet 152a and the intake outlet 152b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a propulsion device, a marine propulsion engine, and a ship having the marine propulsion engine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a marine propulsion engine as an example of a propulsion device. This marine propulsion engine includes an intake structure and a resonator. The intake structure has an intake duct, an air cleaner box, and a throttle body. The air cleaner box is connected to the outlet of the intake duct. The air cleaner box is disposed between the outlet of the intake duct and the inlet of the throttle body. The throttle body is disposed below the air cleaner box.

[0003] The resonator is disposed below the intake duct along the intake duct. Further, the resonator is disposed between the intake duct and the intake manifold in order to block the heat of the engine. The intake manifold is connected to the throttle body and is disposed below the resonator along the intake duct.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a conventional marine propulsion engine, the intake structure has an intake duct as an intake passage, an air cleaner box, and a throttle body. In this intake structure, since the air cleaner box is disposed between the intake duct and the throttle body, there is a problem that the intake structure becomes large-sized.

[0006] In a conventional marine propulsion unit, a resonator is disposed in a limited space between an intake duct serving as an intake passage and an intake manifold. In this case, it is difficult to sufficiently secure the volume of the internal space of the resonator, and the volume of the internal space of the resonator becomes smaller than the volume of the internal space of the intake duct. For this reason, in addition to the resonator provided in the intake duct, it is necessary to provide an intake silencer box, which is an air cleaner box, to ensure a desired intake noise reduction effect, and there arises a problem that the intake structure becomes larger. On the other hand, when attempting to increase the volume of the internal space of the resonator, it is necessary to secure a larger space as described above, and thus there arises a problem that the marine propulsion unit becomes larger.

[0007] Furthermore, as a method for solving the problems of the prior art, a direct intake system without an air cleaner box may be employed in order to sufficiently secure the capacity of the internal space of the resonator. In this case, space around the intake structure can be secured. However, since it is necessary to provide a structure for preventing the intrusion of dust and mist during intake, the intake structure upstream of the throttle body becomes complicated and the marine propulsion unit becomes larger.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a propulsion device capable of simultaneously achieving downsizing of the intake structure and improvement of the intake noise reduction effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A propulsion device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an engine body, a throttle body, an intake passage, and a resonator. The throttle body supplies air to the engine body. The intake passage is connected to the throttle body upstream of the throttle body. The intake passage has an intake inlet portion that sucks in air and an intake outlet portion that guides the air to the throttle body. The resonator is provided in the intake passage and reduces the intake noise of the air. The volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage defined between the intake inlet portion and the intake outlet portion.

[0010] In this propulsion device, the intake structure is composed of an intake passage and a throttle body. Since the intake passage is directly connected to the throttle body, it is possible to achieve a more compact intake structure compared to the prior art. Also, in this propulsion device, since the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage, the effect of reducing intake noise can be improved. That is, in this propulsion device, it is possible to simultaneously achieve a more compact intake structure and an improved effect of reducing intake noise.

[0011] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. The internal space of the resonator is a closed space and is integrally formed with the internal space of the intake passage. In this case, even if the volume of the internal space of the resonator is made larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage, it is possible to achieve a more compact intake structure.

[0012] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. The resonator is provided separately from the intake passage and is attached to the intake passage. In this case, the resonator can be easily attached to and detached from the intake passage.

[0013] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. The intake passage is disposed between at least a part of the throttle body and the resonator. In this case, the internal space of the resonator can be easily formed so that the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage.

[0014] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. At least a part of the intake passage is disposed above the throttle body. The intake passage is disposed between the throttle body and a part of the resonator in the vertical direction. In this case, even if the internal space of the resonator is formed so that the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage, it is possible to achieve a more compact intake structure.

[0015] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. At least a part of the intake passage is disposed above the throttle body. At least a part of the resonator is provided on a side portion of the intake passage such that at least a part of the internal space of the resonator overlaps with the internal space of the intake passage in at least one of a left-right view of the propulsion device and a front-rear view of the propulsion device.

[0016] In this case, the internal space of the resonator can be easily formed such that the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage. Further, even if the internal space of the resonator is formed such that the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage, it is possible to realize a compact intake structure.

[0017] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. At least a part of the intake passage is disposed above the throttle body. At least a part of the resonator is provided on an upper portion of the intake passage such that at least a part of the internal space of the resonator overlaps with the internal space of the intake passage in an upward view of the propulsion device looking from above to below.

[0018] In this case, the internal space of the resonator can be easily formed such that the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage. Further, even if the internal space of the resonator is formed such that the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage, it is possible to realize a compact intake structure.

[0019] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. The intake passage has a first passage including an intake inlet portion and a second passage including an intake outlet portion. A first straight line passing through the center of the intake inlet portion and extending along the first passage and a second straight line passing through the center of the intake outlet portion and extending along the second passage are defined. The first straight line and the second straight line intersect each other.

[0020] In this case, air is sucked in from the intake inlet of the first passage and moves through the first passage along the first straight line. Then, this air moves through the second passage along the second straight line and is discharged from the intake outlet of the second passage. Thereby, the intake passage can be made more compact.

[0021] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. The intake passage has a connection hole that connects the internal space of the intake passage and the internal space of the resonator to each other. At least a part of the connection hole is connected to the internal space of the intake passage in the first passage. In this case, the intake sound of the air passing through the first passage can be suitably reduced by the resonator.

[0022] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. The first passage has a connection portion provided on the side opposite to the intake inlet and connected to the second passage. At least a part of the connection hole is connected to the internal space of the intake passage at the connection portion. In this case, the intake sound of the air passing through the connection portion of the first passage can be suitably reduced by the resonator.

[0023] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. The first passage has a connection portion provided on the side opposite to the intake inlet and connected to the second passage. The resonator is provided in the intake passage such that the internal space of the resonator covers at least a part of the connection portion. In this case, the resonator can be made more compact.

[0024] The propulsion device may be configured as follows. The first maximum length between the inner surfaces of the resonator facing each other in the direction in which the first passage extends is greater than the second maximum length from the intake inlet to the inner surface of the connection portion in the above direction. In this case, both the compactification of the resonator and the improvement of the intake sound reduction effect can be achieved simultaneously.

[0025] A marine propulsion unit according to an aspect of the present invention includes an engine body, a throttle body, an intake passage, and a resonator. The throttle body supplies air to the engine body. The intake passage is connected to the throttle body upstream of the throttle body. The intake passage has an intake inlet portion that sucks in air and an intake outlet portion that guides the air to the throttle body. The resonator is provided in the intake passage and reduces the intake sound of the air. The volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage defined between the intake inlet portion and the intake outlet portion.

[0026] In this marine propulsion unit, the intake structure is constituted by the intake passage and the throttle body. Since the intake passage is directly connected to the throttle body, it is possible to achieve a compact intake structure. Further, in this marine propulsion unit, since the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage, the effect of reducing the intake sound can be improved. That is, in this marine propulsion unit, it is possible to simultaneously achieve a compact intake structure and an improved effect of reducing the intake sound.

[0027] A ship according to an aspect of the present invention includes a hull and the above-described marine propulsion unit attached to the rear part of the hull. In this ship, in the marine propulsion unit, it is possible to simultaneously achieve a compact intake structure and an improved effect of reducing the intake sound.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, there is provided a propulsion device capable of simultaneously achieving a compact intake structure and an improved effect of reducing the intake sound in a propulsion device, a marine propulsion unit, and a ship.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, the configuration of the ship according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the ship 10 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, arrows indicating each direction used in the present embodiment are shown. Each direction shown in the other drawings described later corresponds to each direction shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] Specifically, in each figure, arrows corresponding to the front (FRONT), rear (REAR), left (LEFT), right (RIGHT), upper (UPPER), and lower (LOWER) are shown. Each of the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction (vertical direction) is a direction orthogonal to each other.

[0032] The ship 10 includes a hull 200 and a ship propulsion machine 100 (an example of a propulsion device). The hull 200 has a main body portion 201, a cockpit 202, a steering device 203, and a transom 204. The main body portion 201 is a portion where crew members board. The cockpit 202 is provided in the main body portion 201. The steering device 203 is a device for ship operation. The steering device 203 is provided in the main body portion 201 in the vicinity of the cockpit 202. The transom 204 is provided at the rear of the hull 200. The transom 204 may be interpreted as being included in the main body portion 201.

[0033] (Outline of Ship Propulsion Machine) FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the ship propulsion unit 100. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the description will be made on the assumption that the attitude of the ship propulsion unit 100 is in the reference attitude. When the ship propulsion unit 100 is in the reference attitude, the front-rear direction of the ship propulsion unit 100 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the hull 200 shown in FIG. 1. The left-right direction of the ship propulsion unit 100 corresponds to the lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the hull 200 in FIG. 1. The up-down direction of the ship propulsion unit 100 is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the ship propulsion unit 100.

[0034] In the reference attitude, the rotation axis Ac of the crankshaft 145 described later extends in the up-down direction, and the rotation axis Ap of the propeller shaft 121 described later extends in the front-rear direction. When the attitude of the ship propulsion unit 100 is in the reference attitude, each direction of the ship propulsion unit 100 coincides with each of the above directions.

[0035] The ship propulsion unit 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a device that generates a thrust for propelling the ship 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the ship propulsion unit 100 is attached to the rear part of the hull 200. Specifically, the ship propulsion unit 100 is attached to the transom 204 of the hull 200. In the present embodiment, an example in which the ship 10 has one ship propulsion unit 100 is shown, but the ship 10 may have a plurality of ship propulsion units 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the ship propulsion unit 100 includes a propulsion unit main body 110 and a suspension device 160.

[0036] · Outline of the propulsion unit main body As shown in FIG. 2, the propulsion unit main body 110 includes a cowl assembly 111, a casing 112, an engine assembly 120, a propeller shaft 121, a propeller 122, and a transmission mechanism 130. The cowl assembly 111 constitutes the upper part of the propulsion unit main body 110. The cowl assembly 111 houses the engine assembly 120 and the upper part of the transmission mechanism 130.

[0037] Figure 3 is an external perspective view of the cowl assembly 111. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cowl assembly 111 includes a bottom cowl 20, a top cowl assembly 30, and a rear panel 60. The bottom cowl 20 constitutes the lower part of the cowl assembly 111. The top cowl assembly 30 constitutes the upper part of the cowl assembly 111. The top cowl assembly 30 is provided above the bottom cowl 20.

[0038] The top cowl assembly 30 is formed with a cowl air inlet 31 and an exhaust heat port 32. The cowl air inlet 31 takes in outside air into the interior of the cowl assembly 111. The outside air taken in from the cowl air inlet 31 is supplied to the engine assembly 120. The exhaust heat port 32 is an opening for discharging heat from the interior of the cowl assembly 111. A louver 71 is provided at the exhaust heat port 32.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the top cowl assembly 30 includes a top cowl body 40 and a cover 50. The top cowl body 40 constitutes the lower part of the top cowl assembly 30. The cover 50 covers at least a part of the top cowl body 40 from the outside. In the present embodiment, the cover 50 covers the upper part of the top cowl body 40.

[0040] The above-described cowl air inlet 31 and exhaust heat port 32 are provided between the top cowl body 40 and the cover 50. The rear panel 60 constitutes the rear part of the cowl assembly 111. The top cowl assembly 30 and the rear panel 60 are detachably attached to the bottom cowl 20.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 112 constitutes the lower part of the propulsion body 110. The casing 112 is disposed below the cowl assembly 111. The cowl assembly 111 houses the lower part of the transmission mechanism 130, the propeller shaft 121, and the propeller 122.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the engine assembly 120 is disposed inside the top cowl main body 40. The engine assembly 120 includes an engine main body 141, a flywheel type magnet generator 142, exhaust heat system components 143, and intake system components 144.

[0043] The engine main body 141 is a prime mover that generates power. The engine main body 141 is constituted by, for example, an internal combustion engine. The engine main body 141 has a crankshaft 145. The crankshaft 145 converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons of the engine main body 141 (not shown) into a rotational motion. The crankshaft 145 has a rotational axis Ac. The rotational axis Ac of the crankshaft 145 extends in the vertical direction.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the flywheel type magnet generator 142 is an AC generator used as an auxiliary machine of the engine main body 141. The flywheel type magnet generator 142 is disposed above the engine main body 141. The flywheel type magnet generator 142 includes a flywheel rotor 142a and a stator coil 142b.

[0045] The flywheel rotor 142a is connected to the upper end portion of the crankshaft 145. The flywheel rotor 142a rotates in accordance with the rotation of the crankshaft 145. The stator coil 142b is disposed to face the flywheel rotor 142a. By the rotation of the flywheel rotor 142a, the N pole and the S pole of the magnets of the flywheel rotor 142a alternately pass through the stator coil 142b. During this operation, a current is generated in the stator coil 142b by electromagnetic induction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the exhaust heat system component 143 exhausts heat in the vicinity of the engine body 141. The intake system component 144 takes in air into the engine body 141. Specifically, the cowl air intake 31 described above and the opening of the intake inlet portion 152a (described later) of the intake system component 144 are arranged apart from each other. The cowl air intake 31 and the air intake of the engine body 141 face in different directions at non-overlapping positions. In this state, the air taken in from the cowl air intake 31 passes through the inside of the top cowl assembly 30 and is supplied to the engine body 141 from the intake passage 152 (described later) of the intake system component 144. Details of the exhaust heat system component 143 and the intake system component 144 will be described later.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the propeller shaft 121 is disposed below the propulsion unit main body 110. The propeller shaft 121 extends in the front-rear direction. The front end portion of the propeller shaft 121 is housed inside the casing 112. The rear end portion of the propeller shaft 121 protrudes rearward from the casing 112. The propeller shaft 121 has a rotation axis Ap, and the rotation axis Ap extends in the front-rear direction. The propeller shaft 121 rotates around the rotation axis Ap.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the propeller 122 is a rotating body having a plurality of blades. The propeller 122 is attached to the rear end portion of the propeller shaft 121. The propeller 122 rotates around the rotation axis Ap of the propeller shaft 121 in accordance with the rotation of the propeller shaft 121. Thrust is generated by the rotation of the propeller 122.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission mechanism 130 is a mechanism that transmits the power of the engine body 141 to the propeller shaft 121. At least a part of the transmission mechanism 130 is housed inside the casing 112. The transmission mechanism 130 has a drive shaft 131 and a shift mechanism 132.

[0050] The drive shaft 131 is disposed below the crankshaft 145 of the engine body 141. The drive shaft 131 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end portion of the drive shaft 131 is connected to the crankshaft 145. The drive shaft 131 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the crankshaft 145.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the shift mechanism 132 is connected to the lower end portion of the drive shaft 131 and the front end portion of the propeller shaft 121. The shift mechanism 132 has, for example, a plurality of gears and a clutch (not shown) for switching the engagement of the gears. The shift mechanism 132 switches the rotation direction of the drive shaft 131 and transmits the rotation of the drive shaft 131 to the propeller shaft 121.

[0052] When the shift mechanism 132 transmits the rotation of the drive shaft 131 to the propeller shaft 121 as a forward rotation, the propeller shaft 121 and the propeller 122 rotate in the forward rotation direction. In this case, the propeller 122 generates a thrust in the forward direction. On the other hand, when the shift mechanism 132 transmits the rotation of the drive shaft 131 to the propeller shaft 121 as a reverse rotation, the propeller shaft 121 and the propeller 122 rotate in the reverse rotation direction. In this case, the propeller 122 generates a thrust in the reverse direction.

[0053] · Outline of the suspension device As shown in FIG. 2, the suspension device 160 is a device that suspends the propulsion unit main body 110 on the hull 200. The suspension device 160 is provided on the propulsion unit main body 110. Specifically, the suspension device 160 is provided at the front portion of the propulsion unit main body 110, for example, the casing 112.

[0054] The suspension device 160 has a pair of clamp brackets 161, a tilt shaft 162, a swivel bracket 163, and a steering shaft 164. The pair of clamp brackets 161 are arranged at intervals in the left - right direction. The pair of clamp brackets 161 are fixed to the transom 204 of the hull 200 by fixing means, for example, bolts. The tilt shaft 162 is supported by the pair of clamp brackets 161. The tilt axis At, which is the center line of the tilt shaft 162, extends in the horizontal direction (left - right direction).

[0055] The swivel bracket 163 is arranged at the front part of the casing 112. The swivel bracket 163 is arranged between the pair of clamp brackets 161. The swivel bracket 163 is supported by the tilt shaft 162. The swivel bracket 163 is rotated around the tilt axis At of the tilt shaft 162 by a tilt device (not shown) including an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. Thereby, the tilt angle of the marine propulsion unit 100 is set.

[0056] Specifically, the tilt angle of the propulsion unit main body 110 is set within the range from the tilt - down state where the propeller 122 is located underwater (the state where the marine propulsion unit 100 is in the reference posture) to the tilt - up state where the propeller 122 is located above the water surface. In addition, a trim operation for adjusting the posture of the ship 10 by adjusting the angle around the tilt axis At of the propulsion unit main body 110 can also be executed.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the steering shaft 164 is fixed to the propulsion unit main body 110. The steering shaft 164 is rotatably supported by the swivel bracket 163. The steering axis As, which is the center line of the steering shaft 164, extends in the up - down direction. The steering shaft 164 is rotated around the steering axis As by a steering device (not shown) including an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. Thereby, the steering angle of the marine propulsion unit 100 is set. Specifically, the direction of the propulsion force of the propeller 122 with respect to the direction of the hull 200 is set.

[0058] (Details of Engine Assembly) Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the engine assembly 120 of the propulsion unit main body 110 in the marine propulsion unit 100. The engine assembly 120 includes the engine main body 141 described above, the exhaust heat system components 143, and the intake system components 144.

[0059] · Exhaust Heat System Components As shown in Figure 4, the exhaust heat system components 143 include a fan (not shown), a louver 71, and a shroud cover 72. The fan is covered by the shroud cover 72. The louver 71 forms a discharge port 74 which is the outlet of the exhaust heat. The shroud cover 72 forms an exhaust heat flow path 73 connected to the discharge port 74. The heat generated by the operation of the engine main body 141 is sent from the engine main body 141 to the exhaust heat flow path 73 by the operation of the fan. The heat in the exhaust heat flow path 73 is discharged from the exhaust heat flow path 73 to the outside of the engine assembly 120 through the discharge port 74.

[0060] · Intake System Components As shown in Figure 4, the intake system components 144 include a throttle body 150 and a silencer 151. The throttle body 150 supplies air to the engine main body 141. Specifically, the throttle body 150 controls the amount of air supplied to the engine main body 141. The throttle body 150 is connected to the silencer 151. The air taken into the intake passage 152 of the silencer 151 flows into an air flow path (not shown) formed in the throttle body 150 and then is supplied to the engine main body 141.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the silencer 151 is attached to the engine main body 141. Figure 5 is an external perspective view of the silencer 151. As shown in Figure 5, the silencer 151 includes an intake passage 152 and a resonator 153. Each structure of the silencer 151 is formed by a housing 155 including a housing main body 155a and a lid portion 155b. The throttle body 150 shown in Figure 4 and the intake passage 152 of the silencer 151 form an intake structure 170.

[0062] · Intake passage As shown in FIG. 5, the intake passage 152 is provided in the silencer 151. As shown in FIG. 4, the intake passage 152 is connected to the throttle body 150 upstream of the throttle body 150. Hereinafter, the front portion of the intake passage 152, the rear portion of the intake passage 152, and the side portion of the intake passage 152 are defined as follows. The front portion of the intake passage 152 means a portion in front of the intake passage 152 in the front-rear direction of the intake passage 152 (intake system component 144) in an upward view of the propulsion unit main body 110 from above to below, or a side view of the propulsion unit main body 110 from the left or right, at a position closer to the front of the intake passage 152 than the central position of the intake passage 152 in the front-rear direction of the intake passage 152 (intake system component 144).

[0063] The rear portion of the intake passage 152 means a portion behind the intake passage 152 in the front-rear direction of the intake passage 152 (intake system component 144) in an upward view of the propulsion unit main body 110 or a side view of the propulsion unit main body 110, at a position closer to the rear of the intake passage 152 than the central position of the intake passage 152 in the front-rear direction of the intake passage 152 (intake system component 144). The side portion of the intake passage 152 means a portion behind the front end position of the intake passage 152 (intake system component 144) in the front-rear direction and in front of the rear end position of the intake passage 152 (intake system component 144) in a side view of the propulsion unit main body 110.

[0064] Note that the upward view of the propulsion unit main body 110 and the side view of the propulsion unit main body 110 respectively correspond to the upward view of the engine assembly 120 from above to below and the side view of the engine assembly 120 from the left or right.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the silencer 151 taken along the cutting line VI in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the intake passage 152 includes an intake inlet portion 152a and an intake outlet portion 152b. The intake passage 152 guides the air sucked from the intake inlet portion 152a toward the intake outlet portion 152b.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the intake inlet portion 152a is provided in the silencer 151. The intake inlet portion 152a is an opening for sucking air and forms one end of the intake passage 152. An intake port cover 154 is attached to the intake inlet portion 152a. In the present embodiment, the intake inlet portion 152a opens to the right in the engine assembly 120. The intake inlet portion 152a may open in another direction as long as it is different from the intake outlet portion 152b. In the direction in which the intake inlet portion 152a opens, for example, to the right of the intake inlet portion 152a, there are substantially no other components constituting the engine assembly 120.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the intake outlet portion 152b is provided in the silencer 151. The intake outlet portion 152b is an opening for guiding air to the throttle body 150 and forms the other end of the intake passage 152. In the present embodiment, the intake outlet portion 152b opens downward in the engine assembly 120. The intake outlet portion 152b may open in another direction as long as it is different from the intake inlet portion 152a. The intake outlet portion 152b is connected to the throttle body 150.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the intake passage 152 is disposed between at least a part of the throttle body 150 and the resonator 153. Specifically, at least a part of the intake passage 152 is disposed above the throttle body 150. The intake passage 152 is disposed between the throttle body 150 and a part of the resonator 153 in the vertical direction.

[0069] The intake passage 152 has a first passage 156 including an intake inlet portion 152a, a second passage 157 including an intake outlet portion 152b, and at least one connecting hole 158. In the present embodiment, the first passage 156 extends in the left - right direction. An intake inlet portion 152a is formed at the right end of the first passage 156. A first straight line L1 is defined in the first passage 156. The first straight line L1 passes through the center of the intake inlet portion 152a and extends in the left - right direction along the first passage 156. The first passage 156 has a connecting portion 159. The connecting portion 159 is a portion of the first passage 156 that is connected to the second passage 157. The connecting portion 159 is provided on the side opposite to the intake inlet portion 152a.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the second passage 157 extends in the up - down direction. The second passage 157 is integrally formed with the first passage 156. The upper portion of the second passage 157 is connected to the connecting portion 159 of the first passage 156. An intake outlet portion 152b is formed at the lower end of the second passage 157. A second straight line L2 is defined in the second passage 157. The second straight line L2 passes through the center of the intake outlet portion 152b and extends in the up - down direction along the second passage 157. The second straight line L2 intersects the first straight line L1.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6, in a side view of the propulsion body 110, for example, in a front view of viewing the propulsion body 110 from the front, the first passage 156 and the second passage 157 are formed such that the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 intersect each other. A connecting portion 159 is formed at a portion of the first passage 156 where the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 intersect each other.

[0072] At least one connecting hole 158 connects the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 and the internal space SR of the resonator 153 to each other. The internal space of at least one connecting hole 158 may be interpreted as a space included in the internal space SI of the intake passage 152. The internal space of at least one connecting hole 158 may be interpreted as a space included in the internal space SR of the resonator 153.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, at least one connecting hole 158 includes a first connecting hole 158a and a second connecting hole 158b. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the silencer 151 taken along the cutting line VII in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first connecting hole 158a penetrates the wall portion of the intake passage 152 and connects the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 and the internal space SR of the resonator 153 to each other. In the present embodiment, the first connecting hole 158a connects the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 and the first internal space SR1 of the resonator 153 to each other.

[0074] One end of the first connecting hole 158a is connected to the internal space SI of the intake passage 152. For example, one end of the first connecting hole 158a is connected to the internal space SI of the first passage 156. Specifically, one end of the first connecting hole 158a is connected to the internal space SI of the first passage 156 at the connecting portion 159 of the first passage 156. One end of the first connecting hole 158a may be partially connected to the internal space SI of the second passage 157. The other end of the first connecting hole 158a is connected to the first internal space SR1 of the resonator 153.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second connecting hole 158b penetrates the wall portion of the intake passage 152 and connects the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 and the internal space SR of the resonator 153 to each other. In the present embodiment, the second connecting hole 158b connects the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 and the second internal space SR2 (described later) of the resonator 153 to each other.

[0076] One end of the second connection hole 158b is connected to the internal space SI of the intake passage 152. For example, one end of the second connection hole 158b is connected to the internal space SI of the first passage 156. Specifically, one end of the second connection hole 158b is connected to the internal space SI of the first passage 156 at the connection portion 159 of the first passage 156. One end of the second connection hole 158b may be partially connected to the internal space SI of the second passage 157. The other end of the second connection hole 158b is connected to the second internal space SR2 of the resonator 153. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the connection portion 180 for blow-by gas is connected to the intake passage 152. The connection portion 180 for blow-by gas is not a component constituting the resonator 153 and is not included in the configuration of the resonator 153.

[0077] · Resonator The resonator 153 is configured to reduce the intake sound of air. Here, the phrase "reduce the intake sound of air" includes the meanings of "reduce the intake sound as a whole", "reduce the frequencies of unnecessary noises in the intake sound", and "attenuate the frequencies of the sounds to be adjusted in the intake sound". As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152. The resonator 153 is integrally formed with the intake passage 152 by a housing 155 composed of a plurality of members.

[0078] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the resonator 153 is integrally formed with the intake passage 152 such that the resonator 153 partially protrudes from the rear portion of the first passage 156, the left portion of the connection portion 159 of the first passage 156, and the upper portion of the first passage 156.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a top view of the housing main body 155a with the lid portion 155b removed from the housing 155. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is formed by the housing 155, for example, the housing main body 155a and the lid portion 155b.

[0080] The internal space SR of the resonator 153 is a closed space. The internal space SR of the resonator 153 is integrally formed with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152. Specifically, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is integrally formed with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 via the first connection hole 158a and the second connection hole 158b.

[0081] The resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the internal space SR of the resonator 153 covers at least a part of the first passage 156 of the intake passage 152. In the present embodiment, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is provided at the rear part, the left part, and the upper part of the first passage 156.

[0082] The resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the internal space SR of the resonator 153 covers at least a part of the connection part 159 of the first passage 156. In the present embodiment, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is provided at the rear part, the left part, and the upper part of the connection part 159 of the first passage 156.

[0083] In at least one of the left - right direction view of the propulsion unit main body 110 seen from the left or right side and the front - rear direction view of the propulsion unit main body 110 seen from the front or rear, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, at least a part of the resonator 153 is provided on the side part of the intake passage 152 such that at least a part of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152.

[0084] In the present embodiment, in the left - right direction view and the front - rear direction view, a part of the resonator 153 is provided on the side part of the intake passage 152 such that a part of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8, at least a part of the resonator 153 is provided on the upper part of the intake passage 152 such that at least a part of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in the upward view of the propulsion unit main body 110.

[0086] In this embodiment, a part of the resonator 153 is provided above the intake passage 152 such that a part of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 when viewed from above the propulsion unit main body 110.

[0087] In this embodiment, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is divided into a first internal space SR1 and a second internal space SR2 by the partition wall 155c of the housing main body 155a shown in FIG. 8. That is, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 has the first internal space SR1 and the second internal space SR2.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first internal space SR1 is a closed space. The first internal space SR1 is connected to the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 via the first connection hole 158a. The first internal space SR1, the space of the first connection hole 158a, and the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 are integrally formed.

[0089] The second internal space SR2 is a closed space different from the first internal space SR1. The second internal space SR2 is disposed adjacent to the first internal space SR1 via the partition wall 155c. The second internal space SR2 is connected to the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 via the second connection hole 158b. The second internal space SR2, the space of the second connection hole 158b, and the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 are integrally formed.

[0090] Thus, the internal space of the silencer 151 is formed by the first internal space SR1, the space of the first connection hole 158a, the second internal space SR2, the space of the second connection hole 158b, and the internal space SI of the intake passage 152.

[0091] As described above, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is formed by a first internal space SR1 and a second internal space SR2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the first internal space SR1 covers at least a part of the first passage 156 between the intake inlet portion 152a of the first passage 156 and the connection portion 159 of the first passage 156.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the first internal space SR1 covers the rear portion and the upper portion of the first passage 156 between the intake inlet portion 152a of the first passage 156 and the connection portion 159 of the first passage 156.

[0093] A part of the resonator 153 is provided at the rear portion (an example of the side portion of the intake passage 152) of the intake passage 152 such that a part of the first internal space SR1 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in a front-rear direction view. A part of the resonator 153 is provided at the upper portion of the intake passage 152 such that a part of the first internal space SR1 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in an up-down direction view when the propulsion unit main body 110 is viewed from above or below.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 8, the resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the second internal space SR2 covers at least a part of the first passage 156. For example, the resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the second internal space SR2 covers at least a part of the connection portion 159 of the first passage 156.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the second internal space SR2 covers the connection portion 159 of the first passage 156. For example, the resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the second internal space SR2 covers the left portion, the rear portion, and the upper portion of the connection portion 159 of the first passage 156.

[0096] A part of the resonator 153 is provided at the connection portion 159 of the intake passage 152 such that a part of the second internal space SR2 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in a left - right direction view.

[0097] A part of the resonator 153 is provided at the connection portion 159 of the intake passage 152 such that a part of the second internal space SR2 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in a front - rear direction view. A part of the resonator 153 is provided at the connection portion 159 of the intake passage 152 such that a part of the second internal space SR2 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in an up - down direction view.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, in the above - mentioned silencer 151, the volume VR (=VR1 + VR2) of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152. The volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is defined by the inner surface of the housing 155 that forms the internal space SR of the resonator 153. The volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 is defined by the volume between the intake inlet portion 152a and the intake outlet portion 152b in the intake passage 152.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the sum (VR = VR1+VR2) of the volume VR1 of the first internal space SR1 of the resonator 153 and the volume VR2 of the second internal space SR2 of the resonator 153 is larger than the sum (VI = VI1 + VI2) of the volume VI1 of the internal space SI of the first passage 156 of the intake passage 152 and the volume VI2 of the internal space SI of the second passage 157 of the intake passage 152.

[0100] The volume VR1 of the first internal space SR1 of the resonator 153 is defined by the inner surface of the housing 155 that forms the first internal space SR1 of the resonator 153. The volume VR] of the second internal space SR2 of the resonator 153 is defined by the inner surface of the housing 155 that forms the second internal space SR2 of the resonator 153.

[0101] The volume VI1 of the internal space SI of the first passage 156 of the intake passage 152 is defined by the intake inlet portion 152a, the inner surface of the housing 155 that forms the internal space of the first passage 156, and the connection surface 159a of the connection portion 159 shown in FIG. 6. The connection surface 159a is the boundary surface between the first passage 156 and the second passage 157. The volume VI2 of the internal space SI of the second passage 157 of the intake passage 152 is defined by the connection surface 159a of the connection portion 159, the inner surface of the housing 155 that forms the internal space of the second passage 157, and the intake outlet portion 152b.

[0102] The silencer 151 having the above configuration is preferably configured as follows. The first maximum length ML1 between the inner surfaces 153a and 153b of the resonator 153 facing each other in the direction in which the first passage 156 extends is greater than the second maximum length ML2 from the intake inlet portion 152a to the inner surface 159b of the connection portion 159 in the above direction.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the first passage 156 extends corresponds to the left - right direction in which the first straight line L1 extends. The first maximum length ML1 between the inner surfaces 153a and 153b of the resonator 153 is the maximum length between the inner surface 153a on the intake inlet portion 152a side that forms the first internal space SR1 of the resonator 153 and the inner surface 153b on the connection portion 159 side that forms the second internal space SR2 of the resonator 153.

[0104] In the present embodiment, an example in which the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is formed by the first internal space SR1 and the second internal space SR2 is shown. The internal space SR of the resonator 153 may be formed from one internal space SR without using the partition wall 155c.

[0105] In this case, the first maximum length ML1 between the inner surfaces of the resonator 153 is the maximum length between the inner surface 153a on the intake inlet portion 152a side that forms the internal space SR of the resonator 153 and the inner surface 153b on the connection portion 159 side that forms the internal space SR of the resonator 153.

[0106] In the silencer 151 having the above configuration, the air sucked from the intake inlet 152a passes through the intake passage 152 and is supplied from the intake outlet 152b to the throttle body 150. When the above air passes through the intake passage 152, the intake noise is reduced by the resonator 153.

[0107] In the above marine propulsion unit 100, the intake structure 170 is composed of the intake passage 152 and the throttle body 150. Since the intake passage 152 is directly connected to the throttle body 150, it is possible to realize the compactification of the intake structure 170 as compared with the prior art. Further, in the marine propulsion unit 100, since the volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152, the intake noise reduction effect can be improved. That is, in the marine propulsion unit 100, it is possible to simultaneously realize the compactification of the intake structure 170 and the improvement of the intake noise reduction effect.

[0108] In the marine propulsion unit 100, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is a closed space and is integrally formed with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152. In this case, even if the volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is made larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152, it is possible to realize the compactification of the intake structure 170.

[0109] In the marine propulsion unit 100, the resonator 153 is provided separately from the intake passage 152 and is attached to the intake passage 152. In this case, the resonator 153 can be easily attached to and detached from the intake passage 152.

[0110] In the marine propulsion unit 100, the intake passage 152 is disposed between at least a part of the throttle body 150 and the resonator 153. In this case, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 can be easily formed so that the volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152.

[0111] In the marine propulsion unit 100, at least a part of the intake passage 152 is disposed above the throttle body 150. The intake passage 152 is disposed between the throttle body 150 and a part of the resonator 153 in the vertical direction. In this case, even if the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is formed such that the volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152, the intake structure 170 can be made compact.

[0112] In the marine propulsion unit 100, at least a part of the intake passage 152 is disposed above the throttle body 150. At least a part of the resonator 153 is provided on the side of the intake passage 152 such that at least a part of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in at least one of a left - right view and a front - rear view of the propulsion device.

[0113] In this case, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 can be easily formed such that the volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152. Also, even if the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is formed such that the volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152, the intake structure 170 can be made compact.

[0114] In the marine propulsion unit 100, at least a part of the intake passage 152 is disposed above the throttle body 150. At least a part of the resonator 153 is provided on the upper part of the intake passage 152 such that at least a part of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 overlaps with the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in an upward view looking down on the propulsion device from above.

[0115] In this case, the internal space SR of the resonator 153 can be easily formed such that the volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152. Further, even if the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is formed such that the volume VR of the internal space SR of the resonator 153 is larger than the volume VI of the internal space SI of the intake passage 152, it is possible to achieve a compactification of the intake structure 170.

[0116] In the marine propulsion unit 100, the intake passage 152 has a first passage 156 including an intake inlet portion 152a and a second passage 157 including an intake outlet portion 152b. A first straight line L1 passing through the center of the intake inlet portion 152a and extending along the first passage 156 and a second straight line L2 passing through the center of the intake outlet portion 152b and extending along the second passage 157 are defined. The first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 intersect each other.

[0117] In this case, air is sucked in from the intake inlet portion 152a of the first passage 156 and moves through the first passage 156 along the first straight line L1. Thereafter, this air moves through the second passage 157 along the second straight line L2 and is discharged from the intake outlet portion 152b of the second passage 157. Thereby, a compactification of the intake passage 152 can be achieved.

[0118] In the marine propulsion unit 100, the intake passage 152 has a connecting hole 158 that connects the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 and the internal space SR of the resonator 153 to each other. At least a part of the connecting hole 158 is connected to the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 in the first passage 156. In this case, the intake sound of the air passing through the first passage 156 can be suitably reduced by the resonator 153.

[0119] In the marine propulsion unit 100, the first passage 156 has a connection portion 159 that is provided on the side opposite to the intake inlet portion 152a and is connected to the second passage 157. At least a part of the connection hole 158 is connected to the internal space SI of the intake passage 152 at the connection portion 159. In this case, the intake sound of the air passing through the connection portion 159 of the first passage 156 can be suitably reduced by the resonator 153.

[0120] In the marine propulsion unit 100, the first passage 156 has a connection portion 159 that is provided on the side opposite to the intake inlet portion 152a and is connected to the second passage 157. The resonator 153 is provided in the intake passage 152 such that the internal space SR of the resonator 153 covers at least a part of the connection portion 159. In this case, the resonator 153 can be made more compact.

[0121] In the marine propulsion unit 100, the first maximum length ML1 between the inner surfaces of the resonator 153 that face each other in the direction in which the first passage 156 extends is greater than the second maximum length ML2 from the inner surface of the intake inlet portion 152a to the inner surface of the connection portion 159 in the above direction. In this case, it is possible to simultaneously realize the compactification of the resonator 153 and the improvement of the intake sound reduction effect.

[0122] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0123] In the silencer 151 of the above embodiment, an example in which the intake passage 152 and the resonator 153 are integrally formed by the housing 155 is shown. The resonator 153 may be formed separately from the intake passage 152 so that it can be attached to and detached from the intake passage 152.

[0124] In the above embodiment, an example in which the silencer 151 is used in the marine propulsion unit 100 is shown. The silencer 151 may be applied to other propulsion devices different from the marine propulsion unit 100.

Industrial Applicability

[0125] According to the present invention, in a propulsion device, it is possible to simultaneously achieve compactification of an intake structure and improvement in the effect of reducing intake noise.

Explanation of Signs

[0126] 10: Ship 100: Ship propulsion machine 110: Propulsion machine main body 120: Engine assembly 141: Engine main body 144: Intake system parts 150: Throttle body 151: Silencer 152: Intake passage 152a: Intake inlet portion 152b: Intake outlet portion 153: Resonator 156: First passage 157: Second passage 158: Connection hole 158a: First connection hole 158b: Second connection hole 159: Connection portion 170: Intake structure L1: First straight line L2: Second straight line ML1: First maximum length ML2: Second maximum length SI: Internal space of intake passage SR: Internal space of resonator VI: Volume of internal space of intake passage VR: Volume of internal space of resonator

Claims

1. An engine body, a throttle body for supplying air to the engine body, an intake passage connected to the throttle body upstream of the throttle body, having an intake inlet portion for sucking in the air and an intake outlet portion for guiding the air to the throttle body, a resonator provided in the intake passage for reducing the intake sound of the air, comprising: the volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than the volume of the internal space of the intake passage defined between the intake inlet portion and the intake outlet portion, a propulsion device.

2. the internal space of the resonator is a closed space and is integrally formed with the internal space of the intake passage, the propulsion device according to Claim 1.

3. the resonator is provided separately from the intake passage and is attached to the intake passage, the propulsion device according to Claim 1.

4. the intake passage is disposed between the throttle body and at least a part of the resonator, the propulsion device according to Claim 1.

5. at least a part of the intake passage is disposed above the throttle body, the intake passage is disposed between the throttle body and a part of the resonator in the vertical direction, the propulsion device according to Claim 4.

6. at least a part of the intake passage is disposed above the throttle body, at least a part of the resonator is provided on a side portion of the intake passage such that at least a part of the internal space of the resonator overlaps the internal space of the intake passage in at least one of a left-right view and a front-rear view of the propulsion device, the propulsion device according to Claim 1.

7. at least a part of the intake passage is disposed above the throttle body, at least a part of the resonator is provided on an upper portion of the intake passage such that at least a part of the internal space of the resonator overlaps the internal space of the intake passage in an upward view of the propulsion device looking from above to below, the propulsion device according to Claim 1.

8. the intake passage has a first passage including the intake inlet portion and a second passage including the intake outlet portion, a first straight line passing through the center of the intake inlet portion and extending along the first passage and a second straight line passing through the center of the intake outlet portion and extending along the second passage are defined, the first straight line and the second straight line intersect with each other. The propulsion device according to claim 1.

9. The intake passage has a connecting hole that connects the internal space of the intake passage and the internal space of the resonator to each other, At least a part of the connecting hole is connected to the internal space of the intake passage in the first passage, The propulsion device according to claim 8.

10. The first passage has a connecting portion provided on the side opposite to the intake inlet portion and connected to the second passage, At least a part of the connecting hole is connected to the internal space of the intake passage at the connecting portion, The propulsion device according to claim 9.

11. The first passage has a connecting portion provided on the side opposite to the intake inlet portion and connected to the second passage, The resonator is provided in the intake passage such that the internal space of the resonator covers at least a part of the connecting portion, The propulsion device according to claim 8.

12. A first maximum length between inner surfaces of the resonator facing each other in the direction in which the first passage extends is greater than a second maximum length from the inner surface of the intake inlet portion to the inner surface of the connecting portion in the direction, The propulsion device according to claim 8.

13. An engine body, A throttle body that supplies air to the engine body, An intake passage connected to the throttle body upstream of the throttle body, having an intake inlet portion that sucks in the air and an intake outlet portion that guides the air to the throttle body, A resonator provided in the intake passage to reduce intake noise of the air, Comprising, A volume of the internal space of the resonator is larger than a volume of the internal space of the intake passage defined between the intake inlet portion and the intake outlet portion, A marine propulsion unit.

14. A hull, The marine propulsion unit according to claim 13 attached to the rear of the hull, A ship comprising.

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