Tilt-up assist structure for outboard motor

Abstract

To enhance the strength of a ratchet mechanism for limiting the turning of a steering wheel in the lowering direction while suppressing the enlargement of an outboard motor in the lateral direction.SOLUTION: The tilt-up assist structure 21 of the outboard motor includes a steering wheel 22 supported by the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about a steering wheel rotation axis A, and a ratchet portion 31 that allows rotation of the steering wheel 22 in a raising direction and restricts rotation of the steering wheel 22 in a lowering direction, wherein the ratchet portion 31 includes teeth 33 formed on a rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel and a stopper 35 disposed at a position facing the rear end surface 32 and supported by the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis B. The rotation of the steering handle 22 in the lowering direction is restricted by the engagement between the teeth 33 and the stopper 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an outboard motor tilt-up assist structure that assists in manually tilting up an outboard motor. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, when mooring a boat, an outboard motor attached to the boat is tilted up and pulled out of the water. Typically, an outboard motor includes a clamp bracket that secures the outboard motor to the boat and a swivel bracket that allows the outboard motor to rotate left and right relative to the boat. The clamp bracket and swivel bracket are located at the front of the top of the outboard motor, with the outboard motor secured to the rear portion of the swivel bracket and the front portion of the swivel bracket connected to the clamp bracket via a tilt shaft. The swivel bracket can rotate up and down about the tilt shaft relative to the clamp bracket. When the swivel bracket rotates upward about the tilt shaft, the outboard motor attached to the swivel bracket rotates upward about the tilt shaft together with the swivel bracket, i.e., the outboard motor tilts up.

[0003] The outboard motor also has a tilt lock mechanism that keeps the outboard motor in a tilted up position.

[0004] Furthermore, there are two types of outboard motors: one that tilts up by rotating the outboard motor up and down using motor power, and one that tilts up by rotating the outboard motor up and down manually. When tilting up an outboard motor that tilts up manually, a user on board a boat leans out from the hull and grabs part of the outboard motor's body with their hand to lift the outboard motor. However, it is not easy to lift a heavy outboard motor in such a position where it is difficult to apply force.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-213683 (Patent Document 1) describes an outboard motor tilt-up assist structure that makes it easy to manually tilt up an outboard motor. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as the "conventional tilt-up assist structure."

[0006] A conventional tilt-up assist structure allows the outboard motor to be tilted up in stages during the tilt-up process. With this structure, as shown in Figures 10A to 10D of the publication, the outboard motor can be tilt-locked, for example, when only a portion of the propeller is above the water surface, i.e., not yet fully tilted up. Alternatively, the outboard motor can be tilt-locked when the entire propeller is above the water surface and the lower part of the outboard motor is significantly above the water surface, i.e., fully tilted up. Hereinafter, the position of the outboard motor when tilted up but not fully tilted up is referred to as the "intermediate tilt-up position." Furthermore, the position of the outboard motor when fully tilted up is referred to as the "full tilt-up position."

[0007] 2 to 4 of the above publication, the conventional tilt-up assist structure is configured to automatically lock the tilt of the outboard motor using a spring. That is, when the outboard motor is tilted up to the intermediate tilt-up position, the outboard motor is automatically tilt-locked at the intermediate tilt-up position, and when the outboard motor is tilted up to the full tilt-up position, the outboard motor is automatically tilt-locked at the full tilt-up position.

[0008] Furthermore, the conventional tilt-up assist structure has a structure in which the outboard motor is tilted up by the principle of leverage using a steering handle.

[0009] That is, the rear end of the steering wheel is attached to a portion of the outboard motor other than the clamp bracket on the upper front side so as to be rotatable up and down relative to the outboard motor. The steering wheel can be rotated in two directions relative to the outboard motor: in a direction that moves the tip of the steering wheel upward and in a direction that moves the tip of the steering wheel downward or forward. Hereinafter, with regard to the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, the direction in which the tip of the steering wheel moves upward will be referred to as the "upward direction," and the direction in which the tip of the steering wheel moves downward or forward will be referred to as the "downward direction." By rotating the steering wheel, which extends horizontally forward from the upper front side of the outboard motor, in the upward direction relative to the outboard motor, the user can position the steering wheel so that it extends vertically upward from the upper front side of the outboard motor, for example.

[0010] The outboard motor is also equipped with a ratchet mechanism that allows the steering handle to be rotated upward relative to the outboard motor but restricts its rotation downward relative to the outboard motor. Here, the angle of the steering handle relative to the outboard motor is referred to as the "steering wheel angle." When the outboard motor is not tilted up, the steering wheel angle is 0 degrees when the steering wheel is extended horizontally. Rotating the steering handle upward relative to the outboard motor increases the steering wheel angle. When the steering handle is rotated upward relative to the outboard motor and exceeds a predetermined angle, and then the steering handle is rotated downward relative to the outboard motor, the ratchet mechanism prevents the steering handle from being rotated downward beyond the predetermined angle relative to the outboard motor due to the engagement of the pawls and teeth of the ratchet mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, if the handle angle at which the ratchet mechanism prevents the steering handle from rotating downward relative to the outboard motor is called the "handle lock angle," the ratchet mechanism has multiple handle lock angles set within the range of handle angles that the steering handle can assume. Hereinafter, the multiple handle lock angles will be referred to as the "first handle lock angle," "second handle lock angle," etc., in order of decreasing angle value. In addition, in conventional tilt-up assist structures, the value of each handle lock angle is set to a value greater than 0 degrees.

[0012] With a conventional tilt-up assist mechanism, a user can tilt up an outboard motor as follows: To tilt up an outboard motor, the user first rotates the steering wheel, which is at 0 degrees, in the upward direction relative to the outboard motor until the steering wheel angle is slightly greater than the first steering wheel lock angle. This prevents the steering wheel from rotating downward relative to the outboard motor beyond the first steering wheel lock angle. Next, the user pushes the steering wheel downward (or pulls it toward them). This causes the tip of the steering wheel to become the force point of the lever principle, and the tilt axis to become the fulcrum of the lever principle, tilting up the outboard motor. The user then tilts up the outboard motor to the intermediate tilt-up position. When the outboard motor tilts up to the intermediate tilt-up position, the outboard motor is automatically tilt-locked in that position. After the outboard motor is tilt-locked at the partial tilt-up position, the user rotates the steering wheel, which is at the first lock angle, upward relative to the outboard motor until the steering wheel angle is slightly greater than the second lock angle. This prevents the steering wheel from rotating downward relative to the outboard motor beyond the second lock angle. Next, the user pushes the steering wheel downward (or pulls it toward themselves). This causes the outboard motor to tilt up further from the partial tilt-up position. The user then tilts the outboard motor up to the full tilt-up position. When the outboard motor is tilted up to the full tilt-up position, the outboard motor is automatically tilt-locked in that position.

[0013] As described above, with the conventional tilt-up assist structure, the user can tilt up the outboard motor in stages. The tilt lock of the outboard motor is also performed automatically. Furthermore, the user can tilt up the outboard motor using the steering wheel by lever principle. Therefore, with the conventional tilt-up assist structure, the user can easily tilt up the outboard motor.

[0014] Conventional tilt-up assist mechanisms are provided with a mechanism for releasing the engagement between the pawl and teeth of the ratchet mechanism. By performing a specific operation to release the engagement between the pawl and teeth, the user can rotate the steering wheel, whose angle has exceeded the steering lock angle, downward relative to the outboard motor and return the steering wheel angle to 0 degrees. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-213683 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] In a conventional tilt-up assist mechanism, when the pawl and teeth of the ratchet mechanism engage and the steering handle cannot be rotated downward relative to the outboard motor beyond the steering lock angle, the outboard motor tilts up when the user pushes the steering handle downward or pulls it toward themselves. At this time, a force corresponding to the weight of the lower part of the outboard motor is applied to the interlocking pawls and teeth of the ratchet mechanism. Therefore, if the weight of the lower part of the outboard motor increases, the force applied to the pawl and teeth of the ratchet mechanism increases when tilting up the outboard motor using a conventional tilt-up assist mechanism. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the strength of the ratchet mechanism's pawl and teeth to accommodate the increased weight of the lower part of the outboard motor.

[0017] In the conventional tilt-up assist structure described in the above publication, as shown in Figures 5 to 8D of the publication, a ratchet pawl (reference numeral 61 in the publication) corresponding to the pawl of the ratchet mechanism and a ratchet cam (reference numeral 71 in the publication) corresponding to the teeth of the ratchet mechanism are provided on the side of the rear end of the steering handle. The ratchet pawl and ratchet cam each have a small dimension (width) in the left-right direction. Therefore, if the weight of the lower part of the outboard motor increases, the strength of the ratchet pawl or ratchet cam may become insufficient, and the force applied to the ratchet pawl or ratchet cam when the outboard motor is tilted up may cause the ratchet pawl or ratchet cam to be easily worn, deformed, or damaged.

[0018] In this regard, in the conventional tilt-up assist structure, it is conceivable to increase the strength of the ratchet pawl and ratchet cam by increasing the lateral dimensions of the ratchet pawl and ratchet cam. However, because the ratchet pawl and ratchet cam are located to the side of the rear end of the steering handle, increasing the lateral dimensions of the ratchet pawl and ratchet cam would increase the lateral dimension of the upper front part of the outboard motor, resulting in an increase in the size of the outboard motor in the lateral direction.

[0019] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an outboard motor tilt-up assist structure that can increase the strength of the ratchet mechanism that limits the downward rotation of the steering handle while suppressing an increase in the size of the outboard motor in the left-right direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an outboard motor tilt-up assist structure that assists in tilting up an outboard motor, the structure comprising: a steering handle that extends in a longitudinal direction, its rear end being supported on the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about a steering handle rotation axis that extends in a left-right direction, its rear end surface being formed in an arc shape centered on the steering handle rotation axis, and that is rotatable relative to the outboard motor in a raising direction in which the tip moves upward and in a lowering direction in which the tip moves downward or forward; and a ratchet portion that limits the rotation of the steering handle relative to the outboard motor, the ratchet portion being disposed at a position facing the rear end surface of the steering handle and having a plurality of teeth formed on the rear end surface of the steering handle, and and a stopper supported rotatably about a stopper rotation axis extending parallel to the handle rotation axis, wherein when the steering wheel is rotated in the raising direction relative to the outboard motor and a tooth surface of any one of the plurality of teeth comes into contact with the stopper, the stopper rotates to allow the steering wheel to be rotated in the raising direction relative to the outboard motor, and when the steering wheel is rotated in the lowering direction relative to the outboard motor and a tooth surface of any one of the plurality of teeth comes into contact with the stopper, the stopper comes to a standstill to prevent the steering wheel from being rotated in the lowering direction relative to the outboard motor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the strength of the ratchet mechanism that limits the downward rotation of the steering handle while suppressing an increase in the size of the outboard motor in the left-right direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outboard motor including a tilt-up auxiliary structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a tilt-up auxiliary structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the left, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the tilt-up auxiliary structure as seen from above. [Figure 3](A) is an explanatory diagram showing the rear end of the steering wheel in the tilt-up auxiliary structure of the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the left, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the teeth formed on the rear end of the steering wheel, (C) is an explanatory diagram showing the rear end of the steering wheel as viewed from above, (D) is an oblique view showing a stopper in the tilt-up auxiliary structure of the first embodiment of the present invention, and (E) is an explanatory diagram showing the stopper as viewed from the left. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the tilt-up auxiliary structure taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2(B) as viewed from the left. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the tilt-up auxiliary structure taken along the cutting line VV in FIG. 4 as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of a ratchet portion in the tilt-up auxiliary structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing tilt-up of an outboard motor using a tilt-up auxiliary structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a tilt-up auxiliary structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided on the right side of an outboard motor. FIG. [Figure 9] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a tilt-up auxiliary structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the left, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the tilt-up auxiliary structure as seen from above. [Figure 10] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the rear end of the steering wheel in the tilt-up auxiliary structure of the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the left, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the rear end of the steering wheel as viewed from above, (C) is an oblique view showing a stopper in the tilt-up auxiliary structure of the second embodiment of the present invention, and (D) is an explanatory diagram showing the stopper as viewed from the left. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the tilt-up auxiliary structure taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9(B) as viewed from the left. [Figure 12]12 is a cross-sectional view showing the tilt-up auxiliary structure taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 11 as viewed from the front. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the handle bracket in FIG. 9(B) taken along the cutting line XIII-XIII, showing the tilt-up auxiliary structure as viewed from the right. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a tilt-up auxiliary structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention provided on the right side of an outboard motor. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the stopper in the tilt-up auxiliary structure of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The tilt-up assist structure for an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention is for assisting manual tilt-up of an outboard motor. The tilt-up assist structure of this embodiment includes a steering handle and a ratchet portion.

[0024] The steering wheel extends in the fore-and-aft direction. The rear end of the steering wheel is supported on the outboard motor so as to be rotatable around a steering wheel rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The steering wheel can be rotated relative to the outboard motor in two directions: an up direction, in which the tip of the steering wheel moves upward, and a down direction, in which the tip of the steering wheel moves downward or forward. The rear end surface of the steering wheel is formed in an arc shape centered on the steering wheel rotation axis.

[0025] The ratchet portion limits the rotation of the steering wheel relative to the outboard motor. The ratchet portion has a plurality of teeth and a stopper. The plurality of teeth are formed on the rear end surface of the steering wheel. The stopper is located in a position facing the rear end surface of the steering wheel. The stopper is also supported on the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis that extends parallel to the steering wheel rotation axis.

[0026] The ratchet portion functions as a ratchet mechanism that allows the steering wheel to be rotated in the upward direction relative to the outboard motor and restricts the steering wheel from being rotated in the downward direction relative to the outboard motor. Specifically, when the steering wheel is rotated in the upward direction relative to the outboard motor and the tooth surface of one of the teeth of the ratchet portion comes into contact with the stopper, the stopper rotates, allowing the steering wheel to be rotated in the upward direction relative to the outboard motor. On the other hand, when the steering wheel is rotated in the downward direction relative to the outboard motor and the tooth surface of one of the teeth of the ratchet portion comes into contact with the stopper, the stopper comes to a standstill, preventing the steering wheel from being rotated in the downward direction relative to the outboard motor.

[0027] In the tilt-up assist structure of this embodiment, the rear end surface of the steering wheel is formed in an arc shape centered on the steering wheel rotation axis, and multiple teeth are formed on the rear end surface of the steering wheel. A stopper is located in a position facing the rear end surface of the steering wheel. This configuration allows the left-right dimensions of each tooth (tooth width) and the left-right dimensions of the stopper to be increased within the left-right dimensions of the rear end of the steering wheel. This increases the strength of each tooth and the stopper, i.e., the strength of the ratchet portion. Therefore, even if the weight of the lower part of the outboard motor increases, wear, deformation, or damage to the teeth or stopper can be suppressed.

[0028] Furthermore, in the tilt-up assist structure of this embodiment, the stopper is positioned at a position facing the rear end surface of the steering wheel on which the multiple teeth are formed so that the multiple teeth mesh with the stopper. When the steering wheel angle is 0 degrees, the rear end surface of the steering wheel faces backward, and when the steering wheel angle is, for example, 90 degrees, the rear end surface of the steering wheel faces downward. Therefore, in the tilt-up assist structure of this embodiment, the position facing the rear end surface of the steering wheel is specifically any position within the area from rear to below the steering wheel. That is, in the tilt-up assist structure of this embodiment, the stopper is positioned at any position within the area from rear to below the steering wheel. By positioning the stopper at any position within the area from rear to below the steering wheel, even if the left-right dimension of the stopper is increased, the stopper will not protrude to the side of the steering wheel as long as the left-right dimension of the stopper is within the range of the left-right dimension of the rear end of the steering wheel. By positioning the stopper so that it does not extend to the side of the steering handle, the expansion of the left-right dimension of the upper front part of the outboard motor can be suppressed, and the outboard motor can be prevented from becoming larger in size in the left-right direction. [Example]

[0029] The following description of the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be made with reference to the drawings. In the description of the first and second embodiments, the directions of up (Ud), down (Dd), front (Fd), back (Bd), left (Ld), and right (Rd) will be indicated by arrows drawn at the bottom left of each figure.

[0030] (Outboard motor) FIG. 1 shows an outboard motor 1 including a tilt-up auxiliary structure 21 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left.

[0031] The outboard motor 1 is a device that generates propulsive power for a boat and is attached to the boat. The outboard motor 1 includes a power source (not shown) and a propeller 2 that converts power from the power source into propulsive power.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 , a clamp bracket 4 is provided on the upper front side of the outboard motor 1, for mounting the outboard motor 1 to a transom 17 of a boat. A swivel bracket 6 is connected to the clamp bracket 4 via a tilt shaft 5. A pilot shaft 7 is rotatably inserted inside the swivel bracket 6. A steering bracket 8 is provided above the swivel bracket 6, and a mount bracket 9 is provided below the swivel bracket 6. The upper and lower ends of the pilot shaft 7 are connected to the outboard motor 1 via the steering bracket 8 and the mount bracket 9, respectively. In this way, the outboard motor 1 is mounted to the boat by the clamp bracket 4, swivel bracket 6, pilot shaft 7, steering bracket 8, and mount bracket 9 so as to be rotatable horizontally relative to the boat.

[0033] In addition, the swivel bracket 6 can rotate up and down around the tilt shaft 5 relative to the clamp bracket 4. When the swivel bracket 6 rotates upward around the tilt shaft 5, the outboard motor 1 connected to the swivel bracket 6 rotates upward around the tilt shaft 5 together with the swivel bracket 6, i.e., the outboard motor 1 tilts up. The user can tilt up the outboard motor 1 manually.

[0034] The outboard motor 1 is also provided with a tilt lock mechanism that keeps the outboard motor 1 in a tilted-up position. The tilt lock mechanism provided in the outboard motor 1 is well known and is similar to, for example, the tilt lock mechanism provided in the above-mentioned conventional tilt-up assist structure. Therefore, illustrations and detailed description of the tilt lock mechanism provided in the outboard motor 1 are omitted.

[0035] The tilt lock mechanism provided on the outboard motor 1, like the tilt lock mechanism provided in the conventional tilt-up assist structure, is capable of tilting up the outboard motor 1 in stages during the process of tilting up the outboard motor 1. Here, a state in which the outboard motor 1 is tilted up but not fully tilted up, for example, a position of the outboard motor 1 in which part of the propeller 2 is above the water surface, is referred to as the "partial tilt-up position." A state in which the outboard motor 1 is fully tilted up, specifically, a position in which the entire propeller 2 is above the water surface and the lower part of the outboard motor 1 is significantly spaced above the water surface, is referred to as the "full tilt-up position." The tilt lock mechanism provided on the outboard motor 1 can tilt lock the outboard motor 1 in the partial tilt-up position, and can also tilt lock the outboard motor 1 in the full tilt-up position. Furthermore, the tilt lock mechanism provided on the outboard motor 1, like the tilt lock mechanism of the conventional tilt-up assist structure, utilizes a spring to automatically lock the tilt of the outboard motor 1. That is, when the outboard motor 1 is tilted up to the intermediate tilt-up position, the outboard motor 1 is automatically tilt-locked at the intermediate tilt-up position, and when the outboard motor 1 is tilted up to the full tilt-up position, the outboard motor 1 is automatically tilt-locked at the full tilt-up position.

[0036] The outboard motor 1 is also provided with a steering wheel 22. The steering wheel 22 is a handle that rotates the outboard motor 1 horizontally relative to the boat in order to steer the boat. The steering wheel 22 is formed in the shape of a bar that extends in one direction. Normally (specifically, when the outboard motor 1 is not tilted up and the boat is being propelled by the outboard motor 1), the steering wheel 22 extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the outboard motor 1 and is positioned so that it extends horizontally forward from the outboard motor 1.

[0037] The steering handle 22 also includes a bar section 23 and a grip 24. The bar section 23 is formed in an overall cylindrical shape that extends in one direction (front-to-rear direction). The grip 24 is provided on the tip side (front end side) of the bar section 23. The grip 24 is the part that the user holds with their hand when steering the boat. When tilting up the outboard motor 1, the user grips the grip 24 to tilt up the outboard motor 1.

[0038] The steering handle 22 is attached to the outboard motor 1 via a handle bracket 10. The handle bracket 10 is disposed in front of the steering bracket 8 and is attached and fixed to the front end of the steering bracket 8. The steering handle 22 is disposed to the left of the handle bracket 10, and the rear end of the steering handle 22 is attached to the left wall of the handle bracket 10.

[0039] The rear end of the steering handle 22 is supported rotatably about a steering rotation axis A that extends in the left-right direction of the outboard motor 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the steering handle 22 can be rotated in two directions: a direction in which the tip of the steering handle 22 moves upward (upward direction), and a direction in which the tip of the steering handle 22 moves downward or forward (downward direction). Here, the angle of the steering handle 22 relative to the outboard motor 1 is referred to as the "steering angle." When the outboard motor 1 is not tilted up, the steering angle is 0 degrees when the extension direction of the steering handle 22 is horizontal, and the steering angle increases as the steering handle 22 is rotated in the upward direction relative to the outboard motor 1.

[0040] A display unit 15 is provided above the handle bracket 10 and is attached to the upper wall of the handle bracket 10. The display unit 15 includes, for example, a display, and the display shows information about the outboard motor 1, such as the rotation speed of the power source.

[0041] (Tilt-up auxiliary structure) The outboard motor 1 is provided with a tilt-up assist structure 21 that assists in manually tilting up the outboard motor 1. The tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment is made up of at least a steering handle 22, a ratchet portion 31, and a holder 41.

[0042] FIG. 2(A) shows the rear end of the steering handle 22, the ratchet portion 31, the holder 41, etc. as viewed from the left. FIG. 2(B) shows the rear end of the steering handle 22, the ratchet portion 31, the holder 41, etc. as viewed from above. FIG. 3(A) shows the rear end of the steering handle 22 as viewed from the left. FIG. 3(B) shows an enlarged view of the teeth 33 formed on the rear end of the steering handle 22. FIG. 3(C) shows the rear end of the steering handle 22 as viewed from above. FIG. 3(D) shows the stopper 35, which is one of the components of the ratchet portion 31. FIG. 3(E) shows the stopper 35 as viewed from the left. FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the rear end of the steering handle 22, the ratchet portion 31, the holder 41, etc., taken along section line IV-IV in FIG. 2(B), as viewed from the left (bottom in FIG. 2(B)). 5 shows a cross section of the rear end of the steering wheel 22, the ratchet portion 31, the holder 41, etc. taken along the cutting line VV in FIG. 4, as viewed from above.

[0043] The steering handle 22, which is one of the components of the tilt-up auxiliary structure 21, has the function of steering the boat by rotating the outboard motor 1 horizontally relative to the boat, as well as the function of manually tilting up the outboard motor 1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3(A), the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22 (specifically, the bar portion 23) is formed in an arc shape centered on the steering wheel rotation axis A. When the rear end of the steering wheel 22 is viewed from the side, the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22 is formed in a semicircular shape.

[0045] 3(A) and 3(C), a shaft 25 is formed at the rear end of the steering handle 22 (specifically, the bar portion 23) to rotatably support the rear end of the steering handle 22 by the holder 41 and the handle bracket 10. The shafts 25 are formed on the left and right sides of the rear end of the steering handle 22. The left shaft 25 protrudes leftward from the left surface of the rear end of the steering handle 22, and the right shaft 25 protrudes rightward from the right surface of the rear end of the steering handle 22. Each shaft 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the handle rotation axis A as its axis.

[0046] Furthermore, a protrusion 26 is formed at the rear end of the steering wheel 22 (specifically, the bar portion 23) to set the lower limit of the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 to 0 degrees. The protrusion 26 protrudes rearward from the center in the left-right direction of the lower part of the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22.

[0047] The ratchet portion 31 is a mechanism that limits the rotation of the steering wheel 22 relative to the outboard motor 1. From a macroscopic perspective, the ratchet portion 31 is a ratchet mechanism. As shown in Figures 2(B) and 4, the ratchet portion 31 has a plurality of teeth 33 formed on the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22 and a stopper 35 facing the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the teeth 33 are arranged in the circumferential direction on the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22, centered on the steering wheel rotation axis A. In this embodiment, the teeth 33 are formed by providing grooves in the rear end surface 32. In this embodiment, the teeth 33 are arranged in two rows in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. 3(C). The teeth 33 on the left side and the teeth 33 on the right side are arranged symmetrically with each other. Each of the left teeth 33 extends from the left end of the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22 to a position very close to the center of the rear end surface 32 in the left-right direction. Each of the right teeth 33 extends from the right end of the rear end surface 32 to a position very close to the center of the rear end surface 32 in the left-right direction. The left-right dimension of each tooth 33 is approximately half the left-right dimension of the rear end of the steering wheel 22. The number of teeth 33 arranged on the left side of the rear end face 32 is, for example, four, and the teeth 33 arranged on the left side of the rear end face 32 are spaced at intervals of, for example, 45 degrees. The same is true for the multiple teeth 33 arranged on the right side of the rear end face 32. As shown in Figure 3(B), each tooth 33 has a tooth surface 33A located on the side in the direction in which the steering wheel 22 is raised and a tooth surface 33B located on the side in the direction in which the steering wheel 22 is lowered.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3(D), the stopper 35 has a base 36 and claw portions 37. The base 36 is cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 3(E), the claw portions 37 extend radially from the outer peripheral surface of the base 36. An axis C of the claw portions 37 is perpendicular to the axis of the base 36 (stopper rotation axis B). A tip end surface 37A of the claw portions 37 is flat and perpendicular to the axis C of the claw portions 37. The left-right dimension of the base 36 and the claw portions 37 is approximately half the left-right dimension of the rear end of the bar portion 23, and is approximately equal to the left-right dimension of the teeth 33.

[0050] A handle lock release lever 38 is formed integrally with the stopper 35. The handle lock release lever 38 extends outward from the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 36.

[0051] 2(A), 2(B), 4 and 5, the holder 41 has the function of attaching the steering handle 22 and the stopper 35 to the handle bracket 10. A handle attachment portion 42 is formed at the front of the holder 41 to which the rear end of the steering handle 22 is attached. A stopper attachment portion 46 is formed at the rear of the holder 41 to which the stopper 35 is attached.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, the holder 41 is structured to support the rear end of the steering handle 22 by sandwiching it between the handle attachment portion 42 and the handle bracket 10. The shaft 25 formed on the left side of the rear end of the steering handle 22 is inserted, via a plain bearing, into a handle support hole 43 formed in the handle attachment portion 42 of the holder 41. The shaft 25 formed on the right side of the rear end of the steering handle 22 is inserted, via a plain bearing, into a handle support hole 44 formed in the left wall 11 of the handle bracket 10. The holder 41 is fixed to the left wall 11 of the handle bracket 10 by multiple (e.g., two) fixing members 45. Each fixing member 45 is, for example, a bolt. With this structure, the rear end of the steering handle 22 is attached to the outboard motor 1 so as to be rotatable about the handle rotation axis A.

[0053] The holder 41 is also provided with holes (for example, bolt holes for fastening bolts) for inserting a plurality of fixing members 45, and these holes are arranged in positions symmetrical to one another with respect to a line that passes through the center of the holder 41 in the up-down direction and extends in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, these holes are each arranged in the center of the holder 41 in the up-down direction.

[0054] The holder 41 also has a structure that supports the base 36 of the stopper 35 inside the stopper mounting portion 46. A stopper arrangement recess 47 is formed inside the stopper mounting portion 46, as shown in FIG. 4. The stopper mounting portion 46 also has a stopper shaft insertion hole 48 formed therein, as shown in FIG. 5. The stopper shaft insertion hole 48 extends in the left-right direction, straddling the stopper arrangement recess 47. The stopper shaft insertion hole 48 also communicates with the stopper arrangement recess 47. The stopper shaft insertion hole 48 also opens to the rear of the outer surface on the left side of the holder 41. The base 36 of the stopper 35 is disposed inside the stopper arrangement recess 47, and a stopper shaft 49 is inserted into the stopper shaft insertion hole 48 from the left side of the holder 41. The stopper shaft 49 passes through the left end portion of the stopper shaft insertion hole 48, then through the inside of the cylindrical base 36 of the stopper 35, and then through the right end portion of the stopper shaft insertion hole 48. Threads are formed on the left end portions of the stopper shaft 49 and the stopper shaft insertion hole 48, respectively, so that the stopper shaft 49 inserted into the stopper shaft insertion hole 48 is fastened to and fixed in the stopper shaft insertion hole 48. The stopper 35 is attached to the stopper shaft 49 via, for example, a slide bearing, and is rotatable relative to the stopper shaft 49. With this structure, the base 36 of the stopper 35 is attached to the outboard motor 1 so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis B extending in the left-right direction. The stopper rotation axis B is located rearward of the handle rotation axis A and extends parallel to the handle rotation axis A.

[0055] By attaching the steering wheel 22 and the stopper 35 to the handle bracket 10 using the holder 41 in this manner, the stopper 35 is disposed in a position facing the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22, as shown in FIG. 4. The stopper 35 is disposed rearward of the rear end of the steering wheel 22. The stopper 35 is disposed so that the claw 37 extends toward the rear end surface 32. The stopper 35 is disposed so that the claw 37 extends forward while inclining downward from the outer peripheral surface of the base 36, and the handle lock release lever 38 extends substantially upward from the base 36. The extension direction of a straight line L, which is perpendicular to both the steering wheel rotation axis A and the stopper rotation axis B, is horizontal. The stopper 35 is disposed so that it faces the left portion of the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22, as shown in FIG. 2(B). In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the stopper 35 is positioned so that it does not extend to the left of the outer surface of the left side of the rear end of the steering wheel 22, and so that it does not extend to the right of the outer surface of the right side of the rear end of the steering wheel 22.

[0056] 4, the holder 41 is provided with a biasing member 50 that biases the tip of the claw 37 of the stopper 35 toward the tooth 33. In this embodiment, the biasing member 50 is, for example, a leaf spring. The rear end of the biasing member 50 is fixed to the rear surface of the holder 41 using a fixing member 51 such as a bolt. The front end of the biasing member 50 presses the tip of the claw 37 upward.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a state in which the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 is 0 degrees. When the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 is 0 degrees, the claw portion 37 of the stopper 35 engages with the tooth 33. Specifically, the tip of the claw portion 37 of the stopper 35 enters the tooth gap between the lowest tooth 33 and the second-lowest tooth 33 of the plurality of teeth 33 arranged on the left side of the rear end face 32 of the steering wheel 22. The tip surface 37A of the claw portion 37 comes into surface contact with the tooth surface 33B on the downward side of the lowest tooth 33 of the plurality of teeth 33 arranged on the left side of the rear end face 32. The tip of the claw portion 37 is pressed by the biasing member 50 against the tooth surface 33A on the upward side of the second-lowest tooth 33 of the plurality of teeth 33 arranged on the left side of the rear end face 32. Furthermore, when the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 is 0 degrees, the protrusion 26 formed on the rear end of the steering wheel 22 comes into contact with the holder 41. In this way, when the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 is 0 degrees, the claws 37 of the stopper 35 engage with the teeth 33, preventing the steering wheel 22 from rotating downward beyond 0 degrees. However, as will be described later, the engagement between the claws 37 and the teeth 33 can be released by the user operating the steering wheel lock release lever 38 of the stopper 35. However, when the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 is 0 degrees, the protrusions 26 come into contact with the holder 41, preventing the steering wheel 22 from rotating downward beyond 0 degrees, even if the engagement between the claws 37 and the teeth 33 is released.

[0058] 5, a grease passage 52 for supplying grease to the steering handle 22 and the stopper 35 is formed inside the holder 41. A grease nipple 53 is attached to the opening of the grease passage 52.

[0059] (Ratchet function) The ratchet portion 31 allows the steering handle 22 to be rotated upward relative to the outboard motor 1, and restricts the steering handle 22 from being rotated downward relative to the outboard motor 1. When the steering handle 22 is rotated upward relative to the outboard motor 1, the steering angle of the steering handle 22 exceeds a predetermined angle, and the steering handle 22 is then rotated downward relative to the outboard motor 1, the ratchet portion 31 prevents the steering handle 22 from being rotated downward beyond that predetermined angle relative to the outboard motor 1.

[0060] Here, the steering angle at which the ratchet portion 31 prevents the steering handle 22 from rotating downward relative to the outboard motor 1 is referred to as the "steering handle lock angle." The number of steering handle lock angles can be set by the number of teeth 33 formed on the rear end surface 32 of the steering handle 22, and the value of each steering handle lock angle can be set by the position of the teeth 33 on the rear end surface 32. In the tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment, for example, three steering handle lock angles are set, with the first steering handle lock angle being set to, for example, 0 degrees, the second steering handle lock angle being set to, for example, 45 degrees, and the third steering handle lock angle being set to, for example, 90 degrees. When the steering angle of the steering handle 22 is equal to or greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees, the ratchet portion 31 prevents the steering handle 22 from rotating downward from the first steering handle lock angle (0 degrees) relative to the outboard motor 1. Furthermore, when the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 is equal to or greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the ratchet portion 31 prevents the steering wheel 22 from rotating downward from the second steering lock angle (45 degrees) relative to the outboard motor 1. Furthermore, when the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 is 90 degrees or greater, the ratchet portion 31 prevents the steering wheel 22 from rotating downward from the third steering lock angle (90 degrees) relative to the outboard motor 1.

[0061] (Ratchet operation) As shown in Figure 6(A), when the steering wheel 22 is rotated in the lifting direction relative to the outboard motor 1, the tooth surface 33A on the lifting direction side of one of the teeth 33 arranged on the left side of the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22 comes into contact with the tip of the claw portion 37 of the stopper 35 and pushes the tip of the claw portion 37 downward. This causes the stopper 35 to rotate in a direction that moves the tip of the claw portion 37 downward against the biasing force of the biasing member 50. As a result, the steering wheel 22 can continue to be rotated in the lifting direction relative to the outboard motor 1. In this way, the ratchet portion 31 allows the steering wheel 22 to be rotated in the lifting direction relative to the outboard motor 1.

[0062] 6(B), when the steering wheel 22 is rotated downward relative to the outboard motor 1 and the steering angle of the steering wheel 22 becomes equal to the steering lock angle, the tooth surface 33B on the downward side of one of the teeth 33 arranged on the left side of the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22 comes into surface contact with the tip surface 37A of the claw portion 37 of the stopper 35 and presses against the tip surface 37A of the claw portion 37. At this time, the tooth surface 33B presses against the tip surface 37A of the claw portion 37 in the direction toward the base 36, along the axis C of the claw portion 37, or in a direction perpendicular to the stopper rotation axis B. As a result, the stopper 35 comes to a standstill and cannot rotate, and therefore the steering wheel 22 cannot rotate downward relative to the outboard motor 1. In this way, the ratchet portion 31 prevents the steering wheel 22 from rotating downward relative to the outboard motor 1 beyond the handle lock angle.

[0063] 6(C), when the user moves the tip of the handle lock release lever 38 of the stopper 35 forward with his / her finger, the stopper 35 rotates in a direction in which the tip of the claw 37 moves downward against the biasing force of the biasing member 50. As a result, the claw 37 of the stopper 35 moves away from the tooth 33, and the engagement between the claw 37 and the tooth 33 is released. Therefore, the steering wheel 22 can be rotated downward relative to the outboard motor 1 until the steering wheel angle reaches 0 degrees.

[0064] (Tilt up the outboard motor) The tilt-up assist structure 21 and tilt lock mechanism provided in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment allow the user to tilt up the outboard motor 1 as follows: To tilt up the outboard motor 1, the user first rotates the steering wheel 22, which is at a handle angle of 0 degrees, in the upward direction relative to the outboard motor 1 until the handle angle slightly exceeds the first handle lock angle (45 degrees), as shown in Figure 7(A). This prevents the steering wheel 22 from rotating downward relative to the outboard motor 1 beyond the first handle lock angle.

[0065] Next, the user pushes the tip of the steering handle 22 downward. As a result, the tip of the steering handle 22 becomes the point of force in the principle of the lever, and the tilt shaft 5 becomes the fulcrum in the principle of the lever, tilting up the outboard motor 1. Then, the user tilts up the outboard motor 1 to the intermediate tilt-up position, as shown in FIG. 7(B). When the outboard motor 1 tilts up to the intermediate tilt-up position, the outboard motor 1 is automatically tilt-locked in that position.

[0066] After the outboard motor 1 is tilt-locked at the mid-tilt-up position, the user turns the steering wheel 22, which is at the first lock angle, upward relative to the outboard motor 1 until the angle slightly exceeds the second lock angle (90 degrees), as shown in Figure 7(C). As a result, the steering wheel 22 will no longer be able to turn downward relative to the outboard motor 1 beyond the second lock angle.

[0067] Next, the user pushes the tip of the steering handle 22 downward. This causes the outboard motor 1 to tilt up further from the half-tilt-up position. Then, the user tilts the outboard motor 1 up to the full-tilt-up position, as shown in FIG. 7(D). When the outboard motor 1 tilts up to the full-tilt-up position, the outboard motor 1 is automatically tilt-locked in that position.

[0068] The tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment and the tilt lock mechanism provided in the outboard motor 1 allow the user to tilt up the outboard motor 1 in stages. The tilt lock mechanism provided in the outboard motor 1 also automatically locks the tilt of the outboard motor 1. The tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment also allows the user to tilt up the outboard motor 1 using the steering handle 22 based on the principle of leverage. In this way, the cooperation of the tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment and the tilt lock mechanism provided in the outboard motor 1 makes it easier to manually tilt up the outboard motor 1.

[0069] (Selection of steering wheel layout) In the tilt-up auxiliary structure 21 of this embodiment, the holder 41 to which the rear end of the steering handle 22 and the stopper 35 are attached is attached to the left wall 11 of the handle bracket 10, so that the steering handle 22 and the ratchet portion 31 are disposed to the left of the handle bracket 10, as shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B). However, by attaching the holder 41 to which the rear end of the steering handle 22 and the stopper 35 are attached to the right wall of the handle bracket 10, the steering handle 22 and the ratchet portion 31 can also be disposed to the right of the handle bracket 10, as shown in Figure 8.

[0070] That is, in the tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment, the rear end of the steering wheel 22 and each of the teeth 33 each have a symmetrical shape, as shown in FIG. 3(A). The teeth 33 are also arranged symmetrically on the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22. The stopper 35 also has a symmetrical shape, as shown in FIG. 3(D). The holder 41 also has a symmetrical shape, as shown in FIG. 2(A). The holder 41 is also formed so that when the rear end of the steering wheel 22 is attached to the steering wheel attachment portion 42 and the stopper 35 is attached to the stopper attachment portion 46, the steering wheel rotation axis A and the stopper rotation axis B each pass through the center of the holder 41 in the up-down direction, as shown in FIG. Since the tilt-up auxiliary structure 21 of this embodiment has this kind of configuration, the holder 41 can be turned upside down, the rear end of the steering handle 22 can be attached to the handle attachment portion 42 of the inverted holder 41, the stopper 35 can be attached to the stopper attachment portion 46 of the inverted holder 41, and the inverted holder 41 can be attached to the right wall of the handle bracket 10, thereby positioning the steering handle 22 and the ratchet portion 31 to the right of the handle bracket 10.

[0071] This allows the choice of placing the steering handle 22 on the left side of the outboard motor 1 (to the left of the handle bracket 10) or on the right side of the outboard motor 1 (to the right of the handle bracket 10), and a common steering handle 22, common stopper 35, and common holder 41 can be used when assembling an outboard motor 1 with the steering handle 22 placed on the left side and when assembling an outboard motor 1 with the steering handle 22 placed on the right side.

[0072] As described above, in the tilt-up assist structure 21 of the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of teeth 33 are formed on the rear end surface 32 of the steering handle 22. With this configuration, the left-right dimension of each tooth 33 can be increased within the range of the left-right dimension of the rear end of the steering handle 22. This increases the strength of each tooth 33. Furthermore, the left-right dimension of the stopper 35 can be increased in accordance with the increase in the left-right dimension of each tooth 33. This increases the strength of the stopper 35. As described above, with the tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment, the strength of each tooth 33 and the stopper 35, i.e., the strength of the ratchet portion 31, can be increased. Therefore, even if the weight of the lower part of the outboard motor 1 increases, wear, deformation, or damage to the teeth 33 or the stopper 35 can be suppressed.

[0073] Furthermore, in the tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment, a plurality of teeth 33 are formed on the rear end surface 32 of the steering handle 22, and a stopper 35 is located behind the steering handle 22. That is, the tilt-up assist structure 21 has a structure in which the teeth of the ratchet mechanism are formed on the rear end surface 32 of the steering handle 22, and the pawls of the ratchet mechanism are located behind the steering handle 22. By locating the stopper 35 behind the steering handle 22, even if the dimension of the stopper 35 in the left-right direction is increased, the stopper 35 will not protrude to the side of the steering handle 22, as long as that dimension is within the range of the dimension of the rear end of the steering handle 22 in the left-right direction. By locating the stopper 35 so that it does not protrude to the side of the steering handle 22, it is possible to prevent an increase in the dimension of the upper front part of the outboard motor 1 in the left-right direction, and therefore an increase in the size of the outboard motor 1 in the left-right direction.

[0074] In the tilt-up assist structure 21 of this embodiment, the stopper 35 includes a base 36 supported rotatably about the stopper rotation axis B, and a claw 37 extending from the base 36 toward the rear end surface 32 of the steering wheel 22, with the claw 37 having a tip end surface 37A that can come into surface contact with the tooth flanks 33B on the lowering direction side of each of the plurality of teeth 33. When the steering wheel 22 is rotated downward relative to the outboard motor 1, the tooth flank 33B on the lowering direction side of any one of the plurality of teeth 33 comes into surface contact with the tip end surface 37A of the claw 37, pressing the tip end surface 37A of the claw 37 in the direction toward the base 36, in the direction along the axis C of the claw 37, or in a direction perpendicular to the stopper rotation axis B. This brings the stopper 35 to a standstill, preventing the steering wheel 22 from rotating relative to the outboard motor 1. Compared to the conventional tilt-up assist structure, this configuration can suppress deformation of the pawl portion 37 of the stopper 35. More specifically, in the conventional tilt-up assist structure, as shown in Figure 8D of JP 2014-213683 A, when the steering wheel (steering handle) is rotated downward (downward), the engagement surface of the ratchet cam (reference numeral 71c in the publication) comes into contact with the tip of the ratchet pawl (reference numeral 61 in the publication) and presses the tip of the ratchet pawl in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the ratchet pawl (the direction in which the tip of the ratchet pawl is located when viewed from the base end of the ratchet pawl), and as a result, the release member (reference numeral 62 in the publication) comes into contact with the abutment surface of the handle bracket (reference numeral 65 in the publication), causing the ratchet pawl to stop and preventing the steering wheel from rotating downward. In this configuration, when the engagement surface of the ratchet cam presses against the tip of the ratchet pawl, a bending moment or shear force acts on the tip of the ratchet pawl. Therefore, the ratchet pawl is easily deformed by this bending moment or shear force. In contrast, in the tilt-up assist structure 21 of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the steering wheel 22 is rotated downward, the tooth surface 33B on the downward-facing side of the tooth 33 comes into surface contact with the tip surface 37A of the pawl portion 37 and presses against the tip surface 37A of the pawl portion 37 in the direction toward which the base 36 is located, along the axis C of the pawl portion 37, or in a direction perpendicular to the stopper rotation axis B.Therefore, when tooth surface 33B presses tip surface 37A of claw portion 37, it is possible to reduce the bending moment or shear force acting on the tip portion of claw portion 37. Therefore, according to tilt-up auxiliary structure 21 of this embodiment, deformation of claw portion 37 can be suppressed compared to the conventional tilt-up auxiliary structure described above.

[0075] In the tilt-up auxiliary structure 21 of this embodiment, a handle mounting portion 42 is provided at the front of the holder 41 to mount the rear end of the steering wheel 22 so that it can rotate about a handle rotation axis A relative to the outboard motor 1, and a stopper mounting portion 46 is provided at the rear of the holder 41 to mount the stopper 35 so that it can rotate about a stopper rotation axis B relative to the outboard motor 1. The holder 41 is symmetrical in the up-down direction, and is configured so that when the rear end of the steering wheel 22 is mounted on the handle mounting portion 42 and the stopper 35 is mounted on the stopper mounting portion 46, the handle rotation axis A and the stopper rotation axis B each pass through the center of the holder 41 in the up-down direction. As described above, this allows the same holder 41 to be used when assembling an outboard motor 1 with the steering wheel 22 located on the left side and when assembling an outboard motor 1 with the steering wheel 22 located on the right side. This allows the use of common parts to reduce the manufacturing costs of the outboard motor 1. [Example]

[0076] FIG. 9(A) shows the rear end of the steering handle 62, the ratchet portion 71, the holder 81, etc. of the tilt-up auxiliary structure 61 of the second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. FIG. 9(B) shows the rear end of the steering handle 62, the ratchet portion 71, the holder 81, etc., as viewed from above. FIG. 10(A) shows the rear end of the steering handle 62 as viewed from the left. FIG. 10(B) shows the rear end of the steering handle 62 as viewed from below. FIG. 10(C) shows the stopper 75, which is one of the components of the ratchet portion 71. FIG. 10(D) shows the stopper 75 as viewed from the left. FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the rear end of the steering handle 62, the ratchet portion 71, the holder 81, etc., taken along the section line XI-XI in FIG. 9(B), as viewed from the left (bottom in FIG. 9(B)). Figure 12 shows a cross section of the rear end of the steering handle 62, the ratchet portion 71, the holder 81, etc., taken along section line XII-XII in Figure 11, as viewed from above. Figure 13 shows the handle bracket 10 in Figure 9(B) taken along section line XIII-XIII, as viewed from the right (top in Figure 9(B)), showing the stopper shaft 89 and the biasing member 92, etc., of the ratchet portion 71. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be simplified or omitted.

[0077] As shown in Figures 9(A), 9(B), 11, and 12, the tilt-up auxiliary structure 61 of this embodiment is composed of at least a steering wheel 62, a ratchet portion 71, and a holder 81. The steering wheel 62 has a bar portion 63 and a grip, similar to the steering wheel 22 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B), the rear end surface 72 of the steering wheel 62 is formed in an arc shape centered on the handle rotation axis D, which is the axis of rotation of the steering wheel 62. A shaft portion 65 is formed at the rear end of the steering wheel 62. As shown in Figure 11, the ratchet portion 71 has a plurality of teeth 73 formed on the rear end surface 72 of the steering wheel 62 and a stopper 75 facing the rear end surface 72.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10(A), the plurality of teeth 73 are arranged on the rear end surface 72 of the steering wheel 62 in the circumferential direction around the steering wheel rotation axis D. Compared to the plurality of teeth 33 in the first embodiment, the plurality of teeth 73 are arranged in a lower portion of the rear end surface 72, and one of the plurality of teeth 73 is arranged on the lower surface of the rear end of the bar portion 63. The plurality of teeth 73 are formed by providing a plurality of grooves in the rear end surface 72. As shown in FIG. 10(B), each tooth 73 extends from the left end to the right end of the rear end surface 72, and the left-right dimension of each tooth 73 is equal to the left-right dimension of the rear end of the steering wheel 62. The number of teeth 73 is, for example, four, and the teeth 73 are arranged at intervals of, for example, 45 degrees.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 10(C) and 10(D), the stopper 75 has a cylindrical base 76 and claw portions 77 extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the base 76. An axis F of the claw portions 77 is perpendicular to the axis of the base 76 (stopper rotation axis E). A tip end surface 77A of the claw portions 77 is flat and perpendicular to the axis F of the claw portions 77. The left-right dimensions of the base 76 and the claw portions 77 are greater than half the left-right dimension of the rear end of the bar portion 63. The left-right dimensions of the base 76 and the claw portions 77 may be approximately equal to the left-right dimension of the teeth 73.

[0080] 9(A), 9(B), 11 and 12, the holder 81 has the function of attaching the steering handle 62 and the stopper 75 to the handle bracket 12. A handle attachment portion 82 for attaching the rear end of the steering handle 62 is formed at the top of the holder 81. A stopper attachment portion 86 for attaching the stopper 75 is formed at the bottom of the holder 81.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 12, the holder 81 has a structure that supports the rear end of the steering wheel 62 by sandwiching it between the handle attachment portion 82 and the handle bracket 12. The left shaft 65 of the steering wheel 62 is inserted, via a plain bearing, into a handle support hole 83 formed in the handle attachment portion 82, and the right shaft 65 of the steering wheel 62 is inserted, via a plain bearing, into a handle support hole 84 formed in the left wall 13 of the handle bracket 12. Also, as shown in Fig. 13, the holder 81 is fixed to the left wall 13 of the handle bracket 12 with a plurality (e.g., two) fixing members 85 (e.g., bolts). With this structure, the rear end of the steering wheel 62 is attached to the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about a handle rotation axis D that extends in the left-right direction of the outboard motor.

[0082] The holder 81 is also provided with holes (for example, bolt holes for fastening bolts) for inserting a plurality of fixing members 85, and these holes are arranged in positions symmetrical to one another with respect to a line that passes through the center of the holder 81 in the fore-aft direction and extends in the up-down direction. The holder 81 is also provided with a handle rotation lower limit setting surface 98 for setting the lower limit of the handle angle of the steering wheel 62 to 0 degrees, as shown in Fig. 11 .

[0083] The holder 81 is structured to support the base 76 of the stopper 75 inside the stopper mounting portion 86. As shown in FIG. 11 , a stopper mounting recess 87 is formed inside the stopper mounting portion 86. As shown in FIG. 12 , a stopper shaft insertion hole 88 is formed in the stopper mounting portion 86. The stopper shaft insertion hole 88 penetrates the holder 81 in the left-right direction. The stopper shaft insertion hole 88 extends across the stopper mounting recess 87 and is in communication with the stopper mounting recess 87. The base 76 of the stopper 75 is disposed in the stopper mounting recess 87, and a stopper shaft 89 is inserted into the stopper shaft insertion hole 88 from the left side of the holder 81. The stopper shaft 89 passes through the left end portion of the stopper shaft insertion hole 88, then passes through the interior of the cylindrical base 76 of the stopper 75, and then passes through the right end portion of the stopper shaft insertion hole 88. A stopper shaft support hole 90 is formed in the left wall 13 of the handle bracket 12, and the right end of the stopper shaft 89 is inserted into the stopper shaft support hole 90. The stopper shaft 89 is rotatably inserted into the stopper shaft insertion hole 88, for example, via a slide bearing. The stopper shaft 89 is secured to the holder 81 by a nut or the like attached to the right end of the stopper shaft 89. The stopper 75 is fixed to the stopper shaft 89 by a pin 91 so as to be unrotatable relative to the stopper shaft 89. Therefore, the stopper 75 rotates integrally with the stopper shaft 89. With this structure, the stopper 75 is attached to the outboard motor 1 so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis E extending in the left-right direction of the outboard motor. The stopper rotation axis E is located below the handle rotation axis D and extends parallel to the handle rotation axis D.

[0084] By attaching the steering wheel 62 and the stopper 75 to the handle bracket 12 using the holder 81 in this manner, the stopper 75 is positioned facing the lower portion of the rear end surface 72 of the steering wheel 62, as shown in FIG. 11 . The stopper 75 is also positioned below the rear end of the steering wheel 62. The stopper 75 is also positioned so that the claws 77 extend toward the rear end surface 72. The stopper 75 is also positioned so that the claws 77 extend upward while inclining forward from the outer peripheral surface of the base 76. The extension direction of a straight line M that is perpendicular to both the steering wheel rotation axis D and the stopper rotation axis E is the vertical direction. The stopper 75 is also positioned so that it does not protrude leftward beyond the outer surface of the left side of the rear end of the steering wheel 62, and does not protrude rightward beyond the outer surface of the right side of the rear end of the steering wheel 62, as shown in FIG. 12 .

[0085] As shown in FIG. 13 , a biasing member 92 is provided inside the handle bracket 12 to bias the tip of the claw 77 of the stopper 75 toward the tooth 73. In this embodiment, the biasing member 92 is, for example, a coil spring. A biasing member mounting bracket 93 is attached to the right end of the stopper shaft 89 so as to rotate integrally with the stopper shaft 89. One end of the biasing member 92 is attached to the biasing member mounting bracket 93. Meanwhile, the other end of the biasing member 92 is attached to the handle bracket 12 via a biasing member mounting bracket 94. The biasing member 92 biases the stopper shaft 89 so that the stopper shaft 89 rotates in a direction that moves the tip of the claw 77 of the stopper 75 rearward. Note that an elastic member (e.g., a rubber member) may be used as the biasing member 92, and elastic deformation of the elastic member may generate a force that rotates the stopper shaft 89 in a direction that moves the tip of the claw 77 of the stopper 75 rearward.

[0086] 12, a handle lock release knob 95 is attached to the left end of the stopper shaft 89 so as to rotate integrally with the stopper shaft 89. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, a grease passage 96 is formed inside the holder 81, and a grease nipple 97 is provided at the opening of the grease passage 96.

[0087] Similarly to the ratchet unit 31 in the first embodiment, the ratchet unit 71 allows the steering handle 62 to be rotated upward relative to the outboard motor and restricts the steering handle 62 from being rotated downward relative to the outboard motor. The operations of the ratchet unit 71, namely, the operation of allowing the steering handle 62 to be rotated upward relative to the outboard motor and the operation of restricting the steering handle 62 from being rotated downward relative to the outboard motor, are the same as those of the ratchet unit 31 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, by turning the handle lock release knob 95 counterclockwise in FIG. 9(A), the user can rotate the stopper shaft 89 in a direction that moves the tip of the claw 77 of the stopper 75 forward against the biasing force of the biasing member 92, thereby releasing the engagement between the claw 77 and the tooth 73.

[0088] Furthermore, the tilt-up auxiliary structure 61 of this embodiment also facilitates manual tilt-up of the outboard motor 1, similar to the tilt-up auxiliary structure 21 of the first embodiment.

[0089] In addition, in the tilt-up auxiliary structure 61 of this embodiment, the holder 81 to which the rear end of the steering handle 62 and the stopper 75 are attached is attached to the left wall 13 of the handle bracket 12, so that the steering handle 62 and the ratchet portion 71 are disposed to the left of the handle bracket 12 as shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B). However, by attaching the holder 81 to which the rear end of the steering handle 62 and the stopper 75 are attached to the right wall of the handle bracket 12, the steering handle 62 and the ratchet portion 71 can also be disposed to the right of the handle bracket 12 as shown in Figure 14.

[0090] That is, in the tilt-up assist structure 61 of this embodiment, the rear end of the steering handle 62 and the plurality of teeth 73 each have a symmetrical shape, as shown in Fig. 10(A). Furthermore, the stopper 75 has a symmetrical shape, as shown in Fig. 10(C). Furthermore, the holder 81 has a symmetrical shape, as shown in Fig. 9(A). Furthermore, when the rear end of the steering handle 62 is attached to the handle attachment portion 82 and the stopper 75 is attached to the stopper attachment portion 86, the holder 81 is formed so that the handle rotation axis D and the stopper rotation axis E each pass through the center of the holder 81 in the fore-aft direction, as shown in Fig. 11. Since the tilt-up auxiliary structure 61 of this embodiment has this kind of configuration, the holder 81 is inverted front to back, the rear end of the steering handle 62 is attached to the handle attachment portion 82 of the inverted holder 81, the stopper 75 is attached to the stopper attachment portion 86 of the inverted holder 81, and the inverted holder 81 is attached to the right wall of the handle bracket 12, so that the steering handle 62 and the ratchet portion 71 can be positioned to the right of the handle bracket 12.

[0091] This allows the choice of placing the steering handle 62 on the left side of the outboard motor 1 or the right side of the outboard motor 1, and a common steering handle 62, common stopper 75, and common holder 81 can be used when assembling an outboard motor 1 with the steering handle 62 placed on the left side and when assembling an outboard motor 1 with the steering handle 62 placed on the right side.

[0092] The tilt-up assist structure 61 of the second embodiment of the present invention having this configuration can also achieve the same effects as the tilt-up assist structure 21 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, whereas the stopper 35 is located behind the rear end of the steering handle 22 in the tilt-up assist structure 21 of the first embodiment, the stopper 75 is located below the rear end of the steering handle 62 in the tilt-up assist structure 61 of the second embodiment. Even when the stopper 75 is located below the rear end of the steering handle 62, the lateral dimension of the stopper 75 can be increased while preventing the stopper 75 from protruding to the side of the steering handle 62. This prevents the lateral dimension of the upper front part of the outboard motor from increasing, thereby preventing the outboard motor from becoming larger in size in the lateral direction.

[0093] In the tilt-up auxiliary structure 61 of the second embodiment, the stopper 75 is provided with a cylindrical base 76, a stopper shaft 89 is passed through the base 76, and the stopper 75 is fixed to the stopper shaft 89 with a pin 91 as shown in Fig. 12, so that the stopper 75 and the stopper shaft 89 rotate integrally. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, a stopper 101 may be configured to have only rectangular parallelepiped claw portions, and the stopper 101 may be fixed to the stopper shaft 102 with a fixing member 103 (for example, a bolt) so that the stopper 101 extends from the stopper shaft 102 in the radial direction of the stopper shaft 102.

[0094] Furthermore, in the tilt-up auxiliary structure 21 of the first embodiment, the stopper 35 is positioned behind the rear end of the steering wheel 22, and in the tilt-up auxiliary structure 61 of the second embodiment, the stopper 75 is positioned below the rear end of the steering wheel 62, but the stopper may also be positioned between the rear and below the rear end of the steering wheel, i.e., below and rear of the rear end of the steering wheel.

[0095] Furthermore, the number of teeth 33 (73), the spacing between teeth 33 (73), the number of handle lock angles, and the value of each handle lock angle are not limited in the ratchet portion 31 (71). Furthermore, the angle of the mid-tilt lock position, the number of mid-tilt lock positions, and the angle of the full tilt lock position are not limited in the outboard motor.

[0096] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the spirit or concept of the invention as can be read from the entire specification, and tilt-up auxiliary structures for outboard motors that involve such modifications are also included in the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 outboard motor 21, 61 Tilt-up auxiliary structure 22, 62 Steering wheel 31, 71 Ratchet part 32, 72 Rear end surface 33, 73 teeth 33A, 33B tooth surface 35, 75, 101 stopper 36, 76 base 37, 77 Claws 37A, 77A tip surface 41, 81 holder 42, 82 Handle attachment part 46, 86 Stopper mounting part A, D Handle rotation axis B, E Stopper rotation axis

Claims

1. An outboard motor tilt-up assist structure that assists in tilting up an outboard motor, a steering handle that extends in the fore-and-aft direction, has a rear end that is supported on the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about a handle rotation axis that extends in the left-right direction, and has a rear end surface that is formed in an arc shape centered on the handle rotation axis, and is rotatable relative to the outboard motor in a raising direction in which the tip moves upward and in a lowering direction in which the tip moves downward or forward; a ratchet portion that limits rotation of the steering handle relative to the outboard motor, The ratchet portion is A plurality of teeth formed on a rear end surface of the steering wheel; a stopper disposed at a position facing a rear end surface of the steering handle and supported on the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis extending parallel to the handle rotation axis, and when the steering wheel is rotated in the lifting direction relative to the outboard motor and a tooth surface of any one of the plurality of teeth comes into contact with the stopper, the stopper rotates to allow the steering wheel to be rotated in the lifting direction relative to the outboard motor, and when the steering wheel is rotated in the lowering direction relative to the outboard motor and a tooth surface of any one of the plurality of teeth comes into contact with the stopper, the stopper comes to a standstill to prevent the steering wheel from being rotated in the lowering direction relative to the outboard motor.

2. 2. The tilt-up assist structure for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is disposed in a region of the outboard motor extending from rear to below the rear end of the steering handle so that the stopper does not extend to the left of the outer surface of the left side of the rear end of the steering handle and does not extend to the right of the outer surface of the right side of the rear end of the steering handle.

3. 2. The tilt-up assist structure for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is disposed rearward of the rear end of the steering handle of the outboard motor.

4. 2. The tilt-up assist structure for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is disposed below the rear end of the steering handle of the outboard motor.

5. the stopper includes a base portion supported on the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about the stopper rotation axis, and a claw portion extending from the base portion toward a rear end surface of the steering handle, the claw portion has a tip surface that can come into surface contact with a tooth surface of each of the plurality of teeth on the downward direction side, 2. The tilt-up assist structure for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein, when the steering wheel is rotated in the downward direction relative to the outboard motor, a tooth surface on the downward direction side of any one of the plurality of teeth comes into surface contact with a tip surface of the claw portion and presses the tip surface of the claw portion in a direction toward where the base is located, thereby causing the stopper to come to a standstill and preventing rotation of the steering wheel relative to the outboard motor.

6. the stopper includes a base portion supported on the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about the stopper rotation axis, and a claw portion extending from the base portion toward a rear end surface of the steering handle, the claw portion has a tip surface that can come into surface contact with a tooth surface of each of the plurality of teeth on the downward direction side, 2. The tilt-up assist structure for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein, when the steering wheel is rotated in the downward direction relative to the outboard motor, a tooth surface on the downward direction side of any one of the plurality of teeth comes into surface contact with a tip surface of the claw portion and presses the tip surface of the claw portion in a direction perpendicular to the stopper rotation axis, thereby bringing the stopper to a standstill and preventing rotation of the steering wheel relative to the outboard motor.

7. a holder for attaching the steering handle and the stopper to the outboard motor; a handle mounting portion is provided at the front portion of the holder for mounting a rear end portion of the steering handle to the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about the handle rotation axis, and a stopper mounting portion is provided at the rear portion of the holder for mounting the stopper to the outboard motor so as to be rotatable about the stopper rotation axis, 4. The tilt-up assist structure for an outboard motor according to claim 3, wherein the holder has a vertically symmetrical shape, and is configured so that when the rear end of the steering handle is attached to the handle attachment portion and the stopper is attached to the stopper attachment portion, the handle rotation axis and the stopper rotation axis each pass through the center of the holder in the vertical direction.

8. a holder for attaching the steering handle and the stopper to the outboard motor; a handle mounting portion for mounting the rear end of the steering handle to the outboard motor so that the steering handle can be rotated about the handle rotation axis, and a stopper mounting portion for mounting the stopper to the outboard motor so that the stopper can be rotated about the stopper rotation axis, is provided at the upper portion of the holder; 5. The tilt-up assist structure for an outboard motor according to claim 4, wherein the holder has a shape symmetrical in the front-to-rear direction, and is configured so that when the rear end of the steering handle is attached to the handle attachment portion and the stopper is attached to the stopper attachment portion, the handle rotation axis and the stopper rotation axis each pass through the center of the holder in the front-to-rear direction.

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