Outboard motor

Abstract

This mechanism prevents the cables connected to the propulsion system from being displaced in conjunction with the propulsion system when the propulsion system rotates relative to the ship. [Solution] In the outboard motor 1, the propulsion device 2 is fixed to the lower end portion of a cylindrical shaft 21, and the shaft 21 is rotatably attached to the vessel by a mounting mechanism 25. The outboard motor 1 also has a steering device 50 that rotates the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2. The rear end of the external power cable 61 is fixed to the first connection part of a terminal connection member provided in the upper case 35, the internal power cable 62 passes through the shaft 21, the lower end of the internal power cable 62 is fixed to the propulsion device 2, and the upper end of the internal power cable 62 is pulled out of the shaft 21 from the upper opening of the shaft 21 and fixed to the second connection part of the terminal connection member. When the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate, the external power cable 61 does not displace, and the internal power cable 62 displaces in a twisting manner within the shaft 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an outboard motor for propelling a ship.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an outboard motor has a propulsion device that generates the propulsive force of a ship, and a mounting mechanism that mounts the propulsion device to the ship. The propulsion device has a propeller and a power source that rotates the propeller. The mounting mechanism has a clamp bracket that fixes the propulsion device to the transom of the ship, and a swivel bracket that enables the propulsion device to pivot left and right with respect to the ship.

[0003] The swivel bracket is connected to the clamp bracket. When the clamp bracket is fixed to the ship, the swivel bracket is supported by the ship via the clamp bracket. Further, a shaft extending in the vertical direction is rotatably supported by the swivel bracket. That shaft is generally called a pilot shaft, a steering shaft, or the like. The propulsion device is connected to that shaft, and thus, the propulsion device can pivot left and right with respect to the ship. By pivoting the propulsion device left and right, the direction of the propeller can be changed left and right, and the ship can be steered.

[0004] In addition, a cable is connected to the propulsion device. For example, in order to supply power to the propulsion device, an electric cable may be used to connect between a battery provided on the ship and the propulsion device. Also, in order to transmit a control signal to the propulsion device, an electric cable may be used to connect between a control device provided on the ship and the propulsion device. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-153240 (Patent Document 1) describes an outboard motor in which the battery provided on the ship and the outboard motor main body (propulsion device) are connected by an electric signal line (electric cable).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-153240 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In some conventional outboard motors, when the propulsion system rotates laterally relative to the vessel, the cables connected to the propulsion system are displaced significantly in conjunction with the propulsion system.

[0007] For example, in the outboard motor described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-153240, as shown in Figure 1 of the publication, an extension pipe (16) is rotatably supported on the vessel via a stern bracket (66). The lower end of the extension pipe (16) is connected to the outboard motor body (12). A bar handle (18) is connected to the upper end of the extension pipe (16). The operator can rotate the extension pipe (16) and the outboard motor body (12) together in the left-right direction by operating the bar handle (18) in the left-right direction, thereby steering the vessel. The outboard motor is also provided with an electrical signal line (52) that connects the battery (50) installed on the vessel to the outboard motor body (12). One end of the electrical signal line (52) is connected to the battery (50), and the other end of the electrical signal line (52) is connected to the outboard motor body (12). The other end of the electrical signal wire (52) is located inside the extension pipe (16). One end of the electrical signal wire (52) is drawn out from inside the extension pipe (16) to outside the extension pipe (16) through a hole formed in the peripheral wall of the upper end portion of the extension pipe (16). Since one end of the electrical signal wire (52) is drawn out to outside the extension pipe (16) through a hole formed in the peripheral wall of the upper end portion of the extension pipe (16), when the operator rotates the extension pipe (16) and the outboard motor body (12) by operating the bar handle (18) in the left and right directions, one end of the electrical signal wire (52) is displaced significantly in the left and right directions in conjunction with the extension pipe (16) and the outboard motor body (12). The symbols in parentheses in the above description are symbols from Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-153240.

[0008] When a cable connected to the propulsion system is displaced significantly, the cable may strike an object or the hull of the vessel, potentially damaging the object, the hull, or the cable.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the problems described above, for example, and the object of the present invention is to provide an outboard motor that can suppress the displacement of a cable connected to the propulsion device in conjunction with the propulsion device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an outboard motor for propelling a ship, comprising: a propulsion device having a propeller and a drive motor for rotating the propeller; a shaft portion formed in a cylindrical shape, extending in the vertical direction, with the propulsion device fixed to its lower end; a mounting mechanism for attaching the shaft portion to the ship so as to be rotatable about the axis of the shaft portion; a steering device having a steering motor, which rotates the shaft portion by the drive of the steering motor to change the orientation of the propulsion device in the left-right direction; a cable passing through the shaft portion, with its lower end fixed to the propulsion device and its upper part extending out of the shaft portion through an upper opening, for sending power or electrical signals to the propulsion device for driving the drive motor; and a cable support portion that supports a part of the cable that extends out of the shaft portion through an upper opening, a part of the cable located above the upper opening of the shaft portion, or a part of the cable located inside the upper opening of the shaft portion, so as to prevent rotation in the left-right direction relative to the mounting mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, when the propulsion device rotates in the left-right direction relative to the ship, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the cables connected to the propulsion device in conjunction with the propulsion device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an external view showing an outboard motor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the outboard motor of the first embodiment of the present invention, cut in half horizontally along the axis of the shaft. [Figure 3]Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the portion of the outboard motor that rotates in the left-right direction relative to the vessel. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a magnified view of the upper part of the outboard motor in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the outboard motor, cut along the cutting line AA in Figure 4, as seen from above. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of an outboard motor cut along the cutting line BB in Figure 4, as seen from above. [Figure 7] (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the top of the outboard motor as seen from the front, cut along the cutting line CC in Figure 6, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the terminal connection members, etc., in Figure 7(A). [Figure 8] (A) is a perspective view showing a terminal connecting member in an outboard motor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the upper bush of the outboard motor, and (C) is an explanatory diagram showing the lower bush of the outboard motor. [Figure 9] (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the upper part of an outboard motor according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the outboard motor viewed from above with the top plate of the upper case removed. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the upper part of an outboard motor of another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] An outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a propulsion system, a shaft, a mounting mechanism, a steering system, a cable, and a cable support. In the outboard motor of this embodiment, the propulsion system is a device that generates thrust for the ship. The propulsion system has a propeller and a drive motor that rotates the propeller.

[0014] The shaft is cylindrical and extends vertically. A propulsion device is fixed to the lower end of the shaft.

[0015] The mounting mechanism is a mechanism for mounting the shaft portion to the ship so as to be rotatable about the axis of the shaft portion. When the shaft portion is rotatably mounted to the ship by the mounting mechanism, the propulsion device fixed to the shaft portion is rotatably supported by the ship.

[0016] The steering device is a device that rotates the shaft portion and changes the direction of the propulsion device in the left - right direction. The steering device has a steering motor, and drives the shaft portion to rotate by driving the steering motor. When the shaft portion rotates, the propulsion device fixed to the shaft portion rotates integrally with the shaft portion in the left - right direction, the direction of the propulsion device in the left - right direction changes, and the direction of the propeller in the left - right direction changes. By changing the direction of the propulsion device in the left - right direction by the steering device, the ship can be steered.

[0017] The cable is an electric cable that sends electric power or an electric signal for driving the drive motor to the propulsion device. The lower part of the cable passes through the shaft portion. Also, the lower end portion of the cable is fixed to the propulsion device. Also, the upper part of the cable is drawn out of the shaft portion from the upper opening of the shaft portion. In the cable, the end portion on the side drawn out of the shaft portion from the upper opening of the shaft portion is connected to, for example, a battery provided on the ship or a control device provided on the ship.

[0018] The cable support portion is a member or mechanism that supports a part of the cable drawn out of the shaft portion from the upper opening of the shaft portion, a portion of the cable located above the upper opening of the shaft portion, or a portion of the cable located inside the upper opening of the shaft portion so as not to be rotatable in the left - right direction with respect to the mounting mechanism.

[0019] The outboard motor of this embodiment includes the following three aspects. [1] An aspect in which a part of the cable drawn out of the shaft portion from the upper opening of the shaft portion is supported by the cable support portion so as not to be rotatable in the left - right direction with respect to the mounting mechanism [2] An aspect in which a portion of the cable located above the upper opening of the shaft portion is supported by the cable support portion so as not to be rotatable in the left - right direction with respect to the mounting mechanism [3] A configuration in which the cable support portion supports the portion of the cable located inside the upper opening of the shaft portion so that it cannot rotate in the left-right direction relative to the mounting mechanism. The embodiment described in [2] above is a subordinate embodiment of the embodiment described in [1] above, and is included in the embodiment described in [1] above.

[0020] In the outboard motor of this embodiment, if the cable support portion supports a portion of the cable that extends outside the shaft from the upper opening of the shaft, excluding the portion located above the upper opening of the shaft, in such a manner that it cannot rotate in the left-right direction relative to the mounting mechanism (this is the embodiment of [1] above excluding the embodiment of [2] above), the outboard motor of this embodiment will have the following effects.

[0021] The lower part of the cable passes through the shaft and extends vertically. The lower end of the cable is fixed to the propulsion device. The upper part of the cable is pulled out from the upper opening of the shaft. Of the portion of the cable that is pulled out from the upper opening of the shaft, a portion other than the part located above the upper opening of the shaft is supported by a cable support so as to be unable to rotate laterally relative to the mounting mechanism. In this configuration, when the shaft and propulsion device are rotated laterally by the steering device, the portion of the cable passing through the shaft is displaced so as to twist approximately around the axis of the shaft. At the same time, the portion of the cable from the part supported by the cable support to the part located at the upper opening of the shaft is displaced laterally. However, even when the shaft and propulsion device are rotated laterally by the steering device, the portion of the cable from the end connected to a battery or control device installed on the ship to the portion supported by the cable support does not displace.

[0022] Thus, in the outboard motor of this embodiment, if the cable support portion is used to support a portion of the cable that extends outside the shaft from the upper opening of the shaft, excluding the portion located above the upper opening of the shaft, in such a manner that it cannot rotate laterally relative to the mounting mechanism, then when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the ship, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the cable connected to the propulsion device in conjunction with the propulsion device. Specifically, when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the ship, the portion of the cable connected to the propulsion device from the end connected to a battery or control device provided on the ship to the portion supported by the cable support portion can be prevented from displacing in conjunction with the propulsion device. Therefore, when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the ship, it is possible to suppress the cable connected to the propulsion device from hitting an object provided on the ship or the hull.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the lower part of the cable passes inside the shaft and the upper part of the cable is pulled out from the upper opening of the shaft, when the shaft and propulsion device rotate laterally relative to the ship, the lower part of the cable is displaced in a twisting manner, roughly around the axis of the shaft. As a result, the amount of displacement of the portion of the cable from the part supported by the cable support to the part located at the upper opening of the shaft can be reduced. Therefore, when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the ship and the portion of the cable from the part supported by the cable support to the part located at the upper opening of the shaft is displaced, the force applied from the cable to the cable support can be reduced. Consequently, even if the strength with which the cable is supported by the cable support is reduced, it is still possible to adequately support the cable by the cable support, thus simplifying the structure of the cable support.

[0024] Furthermore, in the outboard motor of this embodiment, if the cable support portion is used to support the portion of the cable located above the upper opening of the shaft portion so that it cannot rotate in the left-right direction relative to the mounting mechanism, the outboard motor of this embodiment will have the following effects.

[0025] The lower part of the cable passes through the shaft and extends vertically. The lower end of the cable is fixed to the propulsion device. The upper part of the cable is pulled out of the shaft through an opening on the upper side of the shaft. The portion of the cable located above the opening on the upper side of the shaft is supported by a cable support so as not to rotate laterally relative to the mounting mechanism. In this configuration, when the shaft and propulsion device are rotated laterally by the steering device, the portion of the cable from above the opening on the upper side of the shaft to the lower end is displaced in a twisting manner, roughly around the axis of the shaft. However, even when the shaft and propulsion device are rotated laterally by the steering device, the portion of the cable from the end connected to a battery or control device installed on the ship to the portion located above the opening on the upper side of the shaft does not displace.

[0026] Thus, in the outboard motor of this embodiment, if the cable support portion is used to support the portion of the cable located above the upper opening of the shaft so that it cannot rotate laterally relative to the mounting mechanism, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the cable connected to the propulsion device in conjunction with the propulsion device when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the vessel. Specifically, when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the vessel, the portion of the cable connected to the propulsion device from the end connected to a battery or control device provided on the vessel to the portion located above the upper opening of the shaft can be prevented from being displaced in conjunction with the propulsion device. Therefore, when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the vessel, it is possible to prevent the cable connected to the propulsion device from hitting an object provided on the vessel or the hull.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the propulsion device rotates in the left-right direction, the portion of the cable that is displaced is the portion from above the upper opening of the shaft to the lower end. When the propulsion device rotates in the left-right direction, this portion is displaced in a twisting manner, roughly around the axis of the shaft. Therefore, it is sufficient to secure space above the upper opening of the shaft and space within the shaft to accommodate the cable displacement accompanying the rotation of the propulsion device. Thus, the space required to accommodate the cable displacement accompanying the rotation of the propulsion device can be reduced. As a result, a compact outboard motor can be realized.

[0028] In the outboard motor of this embodiment, if the cable support portion is used to support the portion of the cable located inside the upper opening of the shaft so that it cannot rotate in the left-right direction relative to the mounting mechanism, the outboard motor of this embodiment will have the following effects.

[0029] The lower part of the cable passes through the shaft and extends vertically. The lower end of the cable is fixed to the propulsion device. The upper part of the cable is pulled out of the shaft through an opening on the upper side of the shaft. The portion of the cable located inside the opening on the upper side of the shaft is supported by a cable support so as not to rotate laterally relative to the mounting mechanism. In this configuration, when the shaft and propulsion device are rotated laterally by the steering device, the portion of the cable from the part located inside the opening on the upper side of the shaft to the lower end is displaced in a twisting manner, roughly around the axis of the shaft. However, even when the shaft and propulsion device are rotated laterally by the steering device, the portion of the cable from the end connected to a battery or control device installed on the ship to the portion located inside the opening on the upper side of the shaft does not displace.

[0030] Thus, in the outboard motor of this embodiment, if the cable support portion is used to support the portion of the cable located inside the upper opening of the shaft so that it cannot rotate laterally relative to the mounting mechanism, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the cable connected to the propulsion device in conjunction with the propulsion device when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the vessel. Specifically, when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the vessel, the portion of the cable connected to the propulsion device from the end connected to a battery or control device provided on the vessel to the portion located inside the upper opening of the shaft can be prevented from being displaced in conjunction with the propulsion device. Therefore, when the propulsion device rotates laterally relative to the vessel, it is possible to prevent the cable connected to the propulsion device from hitting an object provided on the vessel or the hull.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the propulsion device rotates in the left-right direction, the portion of the cable that is displaced is the portion located inside the upper opening of the shaft and extending to the lower end. When the propulsion device rotates in the left-right direction, this portion is displaced in a twisting manner, roughly around the axis of the shaft. Therefore, it is sufficient to secure space within the shaft to accommodate the displacement of the cable accompanying the rotation of the propulsion device. Consequently, the space required to accommodate the displacement of the cable accompanying the rotation of the propulsion device can be reduced. Thus, a compact outboard motor can be realized. [Examples]

[0032] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiments, when referring to the directions up (Ud), down (Dd), front (Fd), back (Bd), left (Ld), and right (Rd), for the sake of explanation, we will follow the arrows drawn in the lower left of each figure.

[0033] (Basic configuration of an outboard motor) Figure 1 shows an outboard motor 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the left. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the outboard motor 1, cut in half along the axis K of the shaft portion 21, viewed from the left. Figure 3 shows the portion of the outboard motor 1 that rotates in the left-right direction relative to the vessel. Figure 4 shows a magnified view of the upper part of the outboard motor 1 in Figure 2. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the outboard motor 1, cut along the cutting line AA in Figure 4, viewed from above.

[0034] The outboard motor 1 is a device that propels a ship and is attached to the ship. As shown in Figure 1, the outboard motor 1 comprises a propulsion device 2 that generates thrust for the ship, a shaft portion 21 that extends upward from the propulsion device 2, a mounting mechanism 25 for attaching the propulsion device 2 and the shaft portion 21 to the ship, an upper case 35 that covers the upper end portion of the shaft portion 21, and a steering device 50 for steering the ship.

[0035] The propulsion system 2 is located below the outboard motor 1. When the outboard motor 1 is mounted on a ship, the propulsion system 2 is located below the waterline. As shown in Figure 2, the propulsion system 2 includes a propeller 3, a drive motor 4 which is a motor that generates power to rotate the propeller 3, an inverter 6 which controls the drive of the drive motor 4, a propeller shaft 7 which supports the propeller 3, a reduction gear 8 which reduces the rotation of the output shaft 5 of the drive motor 4 and transmits it to the propeller shaft 7, and a lower case 9 which houses the drive motor 4, inverter 6 and reduction gear 8, etc. The inverter 6 is located at the front of the lower case 9. The inverter 6 is also located below the shaft portion 21. The drive motor 4 is located behind the inverter 6, and the reduction gear 8 is located behind the drive motor 4. The output shaft 5 of the drive motor 4 extends in the front-rear direction, and the rear end portion of the output shaft 5 is connected to the reduction gear 8. The propeller shaft 7 extends in the front-rear direction, the front end of the propeller shaft 7 is connected to the reduction gear 8, and the propeller 3 is attached to the rear end of the propeller shaft 7. A middle case 11 is provided above the lower case 9. The middle case 11 is fixed to the lower case 9.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the shaft portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in the vertical direction. A propulsion device 2 is connected to the lower end portion of the shaft portion 21. The propulsion device 2 is fixed to the shaft portion 21 and cannot rotate relative to the shaft portion 21. Specifically, the lower part of the shaft portion 21 passes through the middle case 11. The lower end portion of the shaft portion 21 is inserted into a mounting hole 10 provided in the lower case 9 and fixed to the lower case 9.

[0037] The mounting mechanism 25 is a mechanism for mounting the shaft portion 21 to the ship so that it can rotate around the axis K of the shaft portion 21. By mounting the shaft portion 21 to the ship so that it can rotate, the propulsion device 2 fixed to the shaft portion 21 is supported by the ship so that it can rotate. As shown in Figure 1, the mounting mechanism 25 has a clamp bracket 26 for attaching and fixing the shaft portion 21 to the transom of the ship, a swivel bracket 27 for supporting the shaft portion 21 so that it can rotate relative to the ship around the axis K of the shaft portion 21, and a tilt shaft 30 that connects the clamp bracket 26 and the swivel bracket 27 to each other. The swivel bracket 27 has a front bracket portion 28 and a rear bracket portion 29. The swivel bracket 27 is formed by connecting the front bracket portion 28 and the rear bracket portion 29 to each other with a connecting member such as a bolt. As shown in Figure 2, the shaft portion 21 is sandwiched between the front bracket portion 28 and the rear bracket portion 29.

[0038] Furthermore, the shaft portion 21 is supported by the swivel bracket 27 via two mounts 31 and 32. One mount 31 is positioned on the upper part of the shaft portion 21, and the other mount 32 is positioned in the middle or lower part of the shaft portion 21 in the vertical direction. Each mount 31 and 32 has an elastic support portion that elastically supports the shaft portion 21. The elastic support portion suppresses vibrations transmitted from the shaft portion 21 to the ship. The elastic support portion is not rotatable relative to the swivel bracket 27, while the shaft portion 21 is rotatable relative to the elastic support portion.

[0039] The upper case 35 is fixed to the mounting mechanism 25 and covers the upper end portion of the shaft portion 21. As shown in Figure 4, the upper case 35 has a lower case portion 36 and an upper case portion 37.

[0040] The lower case portion 36 is formed in a box shape with an open top. Inside the lower case portion 36, there is a space for housing the upper end portion of the shaft portion 21 and the steering device 50, etc. A lower shaft insertion portion 41 is provided at the lower rear of the lower case portion 36. The lower shaft insertion portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the upper end portion of the shaft portion 21 is inserted into the inside of the lower shaft insertion portion 41. A bearing 42 is provided between the upper end portion of the shaft portion 21 and the lower shaft insertion portion 41, and the shaft portion 21 is supported by the bearing 42 so as to be rotatable about its axis K relative to the lower case portion 36. A sealing member 43 is provided between the upper end portion of the shaft portion 21 and the lower shaft insertion portion 41 to provide a liquid-tight seal between them.

[0041] The upper case section 37 has a structure in which the cover section 38 and the cable routing section 39 are integrated. The upper case section 37 is positioned above the lower case section 36 and is attached to the lower case section 36. As a result, the upper opening of the lower case section 36 is closed by the cover section 38. The cable routing section 39 is positioned above the cover section 38. The cable routing section 39 is formed in a box shape with an open top. Inside the cable routing section 39, there is space to accommodate the rear ends of the external power cables 61 and 63, the upper ends of the internal power cables 62 and 64, terminal connection members 69 and 70, the upper end of the internal signal cable 76, and connectors 77 and 78, etc., which will be described later. The cable routing section 39 is also fitted with a top plate 40 that closes its upper opening. An upper shaft insertion section 44 is provided at the rear of the cover section 38. The upper shaft insertion section 44 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the inside of the lower case portion 36 and the inside of the cable arrangement portion 39 are in communication via the inside of the upper shaft insertion portion 44. The upper end of the shaft portion 21 is rotatably inserted into the inside of the upper shaft insertion portion 44 from below, relative to the upper case portion 37. The upper bush 80 is also inserted into the inside of the upper shaft insertion portion 44 from above. A sealing member 45 is provided between the upper end of the shaft portion 21 and the upper shaft insertion portion 44 to provide a liquid-tight seal between them.

[0042] Furthermore, the upper case 35 is fixed to the upper part of the front bracket portion 28 of the swivel bracket 27 in the mounting mechanism 25 via mounts 48 and 49. Mounts 48 and 49 are each formed of an elastic material, and the upper case 35 is elastically supported by mounts 48 and 49.

[0043] The steering device 50 is located within the lower case portion 36 of the upper case 35. The steering device 50 is also located above the mounting mechanism 25. The steering device 50 includes a steering motor 51, which is a motor that generates power to rotate the shaft portion 21, and a worm 55 and worm wheel 57, which are power transmission mechanisms that transmit the power from the steering motor 51 to the shaft portion 21.

[0044] The steering motor 51 is positioned in front of the shaft portion 21. The worm 55 is positioned between the steering motor 51 and the shaft portion 21. As shown in Figure 5, the steering motor 51 is positioned so that the extension direction of its output shaft 52 is in the left-right direction. The worm 55 is also positioned so that the extension direction of the shaft portion 56 that forms the rotation axis of the worm 55 is in the left-right direction. The steering motor 51 is fixed in a steering motor case 58 located in the front part of the lower case portion 36. The worm 55 is rotatably supported in the steering motor case 58. A gear 53 is fixed to the right end of the output shaft 52 of the steering motor 51, and a gear 54 is fixed to the right end of the shaft portion 56 of the worm 55, with gears 53 and 54 meshing with each other. The rotation of the output shaft 52 of the steering motor 51 is transmitted to the worm 55 via these gears 53 and 54.

[0045] The worm wheel 57 is positioned coaxially with the shaft 21 on its outer circumference. The worm wheel 57 is fixed to the shaft 21, for example, via a key or spline, and the shaft 21 and the worm wheel 57 rotate together. The worm 55 and the worm wheel 57 mesh with each other, and the rotation of the worm 55 is transmitted to the worm wheel 57.

[0046] When the steering motor 51 is driven, the output shaft 52 rotates, and the rotation of the output shaft 52 is transmitted to the worm 55 via gears 53 and 54, causing the worm 55 to rotate. The rotation of the worm 55 is then transmitted to the shaft 21 via the worm wheel 57, causing the shaft 21 to rotate around its axis K. The rotation of the shaft 21 changes the orientation of the propulsion device 2 in the left-right direction.

[0047] (Configuration related to cable wiring) Figure 6 shows a top view of the cross-section of the outboard motor 1 cut along the cutting line BB in Figure 4. Figure 7(A) shows a front (left in Figure 6) view of the upper cross-section of the outboard motor 1 cut along the cutting line CC in Figure 6. Figure 7(B) shows a magnified view of the terminal connection members 69, 70, etc. in Figure 7(A).

[0048] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7(A), the outboard motor 1 has two external power cables 61 and 63, two internal power cables 62 and 64, and two terminal connectors 69 and 70 as components for supplying power to the propulsion system 2. The outboard motor 1 also has an external signal cable 75, an internal signal cable 76, and two connectors 77 and 78 that are mated to each other as components for transmitting electrical signals to the propulsion system 2. Note that the external power cables 61 and 63 are specific examples of the "first cable section", the internal power cables 62 and 64 are specific examples of the "second cable section", and the terminal connectors 69 and 70 are specific examples of the "cable support section". Furthermore, the external signal cable 75 is a specific example of the "first cable section", the internal signal cable 76 is a specific example of the "second cable section", and the connector 78 is a specific example of the "cable support section".

[0049] The two external power cables 61 and 63 and the two internal power cables 62 and 64 are electrical cables that supply power to drive the drive motor 4 of the propulsion system 2 from, for example, a battery installed on the vessel to which the outboard motor 1 is attached. Specifically, of the two external power cables 61 and 63 and the two internal power cables 62 and 64, the external power cable 61 and the internal power cable 62 are electrical cables that connect, for example, the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the inverter 6 of the propulsion system 2. The external power cable 63 and the internal power cable 64 are electrical cables that connect, for example, the negative terminal of the battery to the negative terminal (or ground terminal) of the inverter 6. Furthermore, the external power cables 61 and 63 and the internal power cables 62 and 64 are all single-core cables, having a core wire made of a conductive material and a sheath made of an insulating material that covers the outer circumference of the core wire.

[0050] From an electrical standpoint, when supplying power from the battery to the inverter 6, one cable is sufficient to connect the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the inverter 6, and one cable is sufficient to connect the negative terminal of the battery to the negative terminal of the inverter 6. However, in this embodiment, the cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the inverter 6 is divided into an external power cable 61 and an internal power cable 62, and the cable connecting the negative terminal of the battery to the negative terminal of the inverter 6 is divided into an external power cable 63 and an internal power cable 64. From an electrical standpoint, the external power cable 61 and the internal power cable 62 are connected in series between the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6, and the external power cable 63 and the internal power cable 64 are connected in series between the negative terminal of the battery and the negative terminal of the inverter 6.

[0051] The front end of the external power cable 61 is connected to the positive terminal of a battery located on the vessel to which the outboard motor 1 is mounted. The external power cable 61 extends rearward from the vessel towards the outboard motor 1, passing, for example, over the transom to reach the outboard motor 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the external power cable 61 enters the cable routing section 39 of the upper case portion 37 of the upper case 35 from the front and extends rearward through the right side of the cable routing section 39, as shown in Figure 6. A terminal 65 made of a conductive material such as metal is attached to the rear end of the external power cable 61. The terminal 65 is electrically connected to the core wire of the external power cable 61. On the other hand, the front end of the external power cable 63 is connected to the negative terminal of a battery located on the vessel to which the outboard motor 1 is mounted. The external power cable 63 extends rearward from the vessel to reach the outboard motor 1, similar to the external power cable 61. Furthermore, the external power cable 63 enters the cable routing section 39 from the front, passes through the left side of the cable routing section 39, and extends to the rear. A terminal 67 made of a conductive material such as metal is attached to the rear end of the external power cable 63. The terminal 67 is electrically connected to the core wire of the external power cable 63. The external power cables 61 and 63 are each held by a cable holding member 74 provided at the front of the cable routing section 39.

[0052] The two terminal connecting members 69 and 70 are provided within the cable arrangement section 39, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 8(A) shows the terminal connecting member 69. As shown in Figure 8(A), the terminal connecting member 69 is a cylindrical member made of a conductive material such as metal. A first connecting portion 71 is formed on one axial end of the terminal connecting member 69, and a second connecting portion 72 is formed on the other axial end of the terminal connecting member 69. A sealing member 73 is attached to the outer circumference of the axial middle portion of the terminal connecting member 69. The terminal connecting member 70 is the same member as the terminal connecting member 69.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, each terminal connector member 69, 70 is arranged within the cable arrangement section 39 such that the extension direction of its axis is in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the terminal connector members 69, 70 are arranged symmetrically to each other in the right rear and left rear parts of the cable arrangement section 39, respectively. Specifically, an inner wall 46 is provided within the cable arrangement section 39, and as shown in Figure 7(A), terminal support holes 47 are provided in the right rear and left rear parts of the inner wall 46, respectively. The terminal connector member 69 is inserted into the terminal support hole 47 provided in the right rear part of the inner wall 46, and is supported and fixed to the right rear part of the inner wall 46. In addition, the sealing member 73 attached to the terminal connector member 69 is located within the terminal support hole 47, contacts the inner circumferential surface of the terminal support hole 47, and provides a liquid-tight seal between the terminal connector member 69 and the terminal support hole 47. Furthermore, when the terminal connecting member 69 is supported in the terminal support hole 47, the first connecting portion 71 of the terminal connecting member 69 is located on the right end side of the terminal connecting member 69, and the second connecting portion 72 of the terminal connecting member 69 is located on the left end side of the terminal connecting member 69. In addition, the terminal connecting member 69 is positioned such that its second connecting portion 72 is located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21. Also, as shown in Figure 7(B), the terminal connecting member 69 is positioned such that the connecting surface 72A of its second connecting portion 72 is parallel to the axis K of the shaft portion 21. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(A), the terminal connecting member 70 is inserted into the terminal support hole 47 provided in the left rear part of the inner wall 46, and is supported and fixed to the left rear part of the inner wall 46. Furthermore, the sealing member 73 attached to the terminal connecting member 70 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the terminal support hole 47 within the terminal support hole 47, thereby creating a liquid-tight seal between the terminal connecting member 70 and the terminal support hole 47. When the terminal connecting member 70 is supported in the terminal support hole 47 provided on the left rear part of the inner wall 46, the first connecting portion 71 of the terminal connecting member 70 is located on the left end side of the terminal connecting member 70, and the second connecting portion 72 of the terminal connecting member 70 is located on the right end side of the terminal connecting member 70. In addition, the terminal connecting member 70 is positioned such that its second connecting portion 72 is located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(B), the terminal connecting member 70 is positioned such that the connecting surface 72A of its second connecting portion 72 is parallel to the axis K of the shaft portion 21.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, terminal 65 of the external power cable 61 is connected to the first connection portion 71 of the terminal connection member 69. This electrically connects the core wire of the external power cable 61 to the terminal connection member 69. Similarly, terminal 67 of the external power cable 63 is connected to the first connection portion 71 of the terminal connection member 70. This electrically connects the core wire of the external power cable 63 to the terminal connection member 70.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the internal power cable 62 is inserted into the shaft portion 21. The internal power cable 62 passes through the shaft portion 21. The lower end of the internal power cable 62 is connected to and fixed to the positive terminal of the inverter 6 of the propulsion device 2. The upper end of the internal power cable 62 is pulled out of the shaft portion 21 through the upper opening 22, as shown in Figures 4 and 7(A). A terminal 67 made of a conductive material such as metal is attached to the upper end of the internal power cable 62. The terminal 67 is electrically connected to the core wire of the internal power cable 62. The terminal 67 is also connected to the connection surface 72A of the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 69, which is located in the right rear part of the cable arrangement portion 39. As a result, the core wire of the internal power cable 62 is electrically connected to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 69, and consequently, the core wire of the internal power cable 62 is electrically connected to the core wire of the external power cable 61 via the terminal connection member 69. Furthermore, the terminal 67 to which the internal power cable 62 is connected is connected to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 69, so that the portion of the internal power cable 62 located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21, i.e., the upper end of the internal power cable 62, is fixed to the upper case portion 37 of the upper case 35 by the terminal connection member 69. As a result, the portion of the internal power cable 62 located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 is supported in such a way that it cannot rotate in the left-right direction relative to the mounting mechanism 25.

[0056] Furthermore, the internal power cable 64 is inserted into the shaft portion 21 and passes through the shaft portion 21. The lower end of the internal power cable 64 is connected to and fixed to the negative terminal of the inverter 6 of the propulsion device 2. The upper end of the internal power cable 64 is pulled out of the shaft portion 21 through the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21. A terminal 68 made of a conductive material such as metal is attached to the upper end of the internal power cable 64. The terminal 68 is electrically connected to the core wire of the internal power cable 64. The terminal 68 is also connected to the connection surface 72A of the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 70, which is located in the left rear part of the cable arrangement portion 39. As a result, the core wire of the internal power cable 64 is electrically connected to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 70, and consequently, the core wire of the internal power cable 64 is electrically connected to the core wire of the external power cable 63 via the terminal connection member 70. Furthermore, the terminal 68 to which the internal power cable 64 is connected is connected to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 70, so that the portion of the internal power cable 64 located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21, i.e., the upper end of the internal power cable 64, is fixed to the upper case portion 37 of the upper case 35 by the terminal connection member 70. As a result, the portion of the internal power cable 64 located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 is supported in such a way that it cannot rotate in the left-right direction relative to the mounting mechanism 25.

[0057] The external signal cable 75 and the internal signal cable 76 are electrical cables for transmitting electrical signals to the propulsion device 2 for driving the drive motor 4 of the propulsion device 2. For example, the external signal cable 75 and the internal signal cable 76 are electrical cables that transmit control signals from the remote control device for the outboard motor 1, which is installed on the vessel to which the outboard motor 1 is attached, to the inverter 6 of the propulsion device 2, to control the rotation speed of the drive motor 4 of the propulsion device 2 according to the amount of operation (tilt angle) of the lever of the remote control device for the outboard motor 1. Also, for example, both the external signal cable 75 and the internal signal cable 76 are single-core cables or coaxial cables.

[0058] The front end of the external signal cable 75 is connected, for example, to the signal output terminal of a remote control device provided on the vessel to which the outboard motor 1 is attached. The external signal cable 75 extends rearward from the vessel toward the outboard motor 1, passing, for example, over the transom to reach the outboard motor 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the external signal cable 75 enters the cable routing section 39 from the front of the cable routing section 39 of the upper case portion 37 of the upper case 35. The rear end of the external signal cable 75 is connected to the internal signal cable 76 within the cable routing section 39 via connectors 77 and 78. The connectors 77 and 78 are mated with each other and are electrically connected to each other. Connector 78 is fixed to the front of the inner wall 46 of the cable routing section 39.

[0059] The upper end of the internal signal cable 76 is located within the cable arrangement section 39 and is connected to the external signal cable 75 via connectors 77 and 78. The internal signal cable 76 extends from the front to the rear within the cable arrangement section 39 where connector 78 is located, then bends downward and enters the shaft section 21 through the upper opening 22. Subsequently, the internal signal cable 76 extends downward within the shaft section 21 and, as shown in Figure 2, passes through the shaft section 21 to reach the inverter 6 of the propulsion device 2. The lower end of the internal signal cable 76 is then connected, for example, to the control terminal of the inverter 6.

[0060] In this way, in the outboard motor 1, the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 pass through the shaft 21. The internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 are also routed out of the shaft 21 through the upper opening 22. The upper end of the internal power cable 62 is connected to the second connection part 72 of a terminal connection member 69 located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft 21, and is fixed to the upper case part 37 via the terminal connection member 69. The upper end of the internal power cable 64 is connected to the second connection part 72 of a terminal connection member 70 located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft 21, and is fixed to the upper case part 37 via the terminal connection member 70. A connector 78 is attached to the upper end of the internal signal cable 76, and the connector 78 is located above and in front of the upper opening 22 of the shaft 21, near the opening 22, and is fixed to the upper case part 37. On the other hand, the lower end of the internal power cable 62 is fixed to the positive terminal of the inverter 6 of the propulsion device 2, the lower end of the internal power cable 64 is fixed to the negative terminal of the inverter 6, and the lower end of the internal signal cable 76 is fixed to the control terminal of the inverter 6. Therefore, when the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2 are rotated to the left by the drive of the steering device 50, the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 are displaced such that, when viewed from above the outboard motor 1, they are twisted to the left within the shaft 21, approximately around the axis K of the shaft 21. Also, when the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2 are rotated to the right by the drive of the steering device 50, the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 are displaced such that, when viewed from above the outboard motor 1, they are twisted to the right within the shaft 21, approximately around the axis K of the shaft 21.

[0061] Considering that the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 will twist within the shaft 21 due to the rotation of the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2, it is preferable that each of the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 be given sufficient strength to withstand repeated twisting. Furthermore, it is preferable to insert the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 into the shaft 21 with a moderate amount of slack so that they can easily twist within the shaft 21. It is also preferable to form the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 from a material with moderate flexibility so that they can easily twist within the shaft 21. Additionally, when the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 are displaced within the shaft 21, the internal power cables 62, 64 or internal signal cables 76 may come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the shaft 21. Considering this, it is preferable to set the surface roughness of the inner circumferential surface of the shaft portion 21 to such an extent that even if the internal power cables 62, 64 or the internal signal cables 76 come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the shaft portion 21, there will be almost no wear on the insulation of the internal power cables 62, 64 or the internal signal cables 76. Also, when the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cables 76 are displaced within the shaft portion 21, they may come into contact with each other. Considering this, it is preferable to set the strength of the insulation of each of the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cables 76 so that even if these cables come into contact with each other, there will be almost no wear on the insulation of the cables (protective members may be provided for each cable). Furthermore, in order to prevent the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cables 76 from twisting significantly, the rotation angle of the shaft portion 21 and the propulsion device 2 by the steering device 50 may be limited to, for example, about 90 degrees to the left and right.

[0062] On the other hand, the external power cables 61 and 63 and the external signal cable 75 are each located outside the shaft portion 21. The rear end of the external power cable 61 is connected to the first connection portion 71 of the terminal connection member 69 and fixed to the upper case portion 37 via the terminal connection member 69. The rear end of the external power cable 63 is connected to the first connection portion 71 of the terminal connection member 70 and fixed to the upper case portion 37 via the terminal connection member 70. The connector 77 attached to the rear end of the external signal cable 75 is fitted into the connector 78 and fixed to the upper case portion 37 via the connector 78. Therefore, even if the shaft portion 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate to the left or right due to the drive of the steering device 50, the external power cables 61 and 63 and the external signal cable 75 will not be displaced.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, an upper bush 80 is provided at the uppermost end of the shaft portion 21. Figure 8(B) shows the upper bush 80. As shown in Figure 8(B), the upper bush 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper bush 80 is also provided with three cable insertion holes 81, 82, and 83. A flange-shaped fixing portion 84 is formed on the upper part of the upper bush 80. As shown in Figure 4, the upper bush 80 is rotatably inserted into the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 relative to the shaft portion 21. The fixing portion 84 of the upper bush 80 is fixed to the upper case portion 37 using a fixing member such as a bolt, as shown in Figure 6. As a result, even if the shaft portion 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction due to the drive of the steering device 50, the upper bush 80 does not rotate. Furthermore, the upper end of the internal power cable 62 is inserted into the cable insertion hole 81 of the upper bush 80, the upper end of the internal power cable 64 is inserted into the cable insertion hole 82, and the upper end of the internal signal cable 76 is inserted into the cable insertion hole 83. The cable insertion holes 81, 82, and 83 are each positioned apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the axis K of the shaft portion 21. Therefore, the upper bush 80 positions the upper ends of the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76, respectively, so that they are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the axis K of the shaft portion 21, within the uppermost part of the shaft portion 21. By providing the upper bush 80 at the uppermost end of the shaft 21, when the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cable 76 twist within the shaft 21 due to the rotation of the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the upper end of the internal power cable 62 relative to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 69, the upper end of the internal power cable 64 relative to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 70, and the upper end of the internal signal cable 76 relative to the connector 78. As a result, when the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cable 76 twist within the shaft 21 due to the rotation of the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2, the forces applied from these cables to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection members 69, 70 and the connector 78 can be reduced.Furthermore, the upper bush 80 positions the upper ends of the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 so that they are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the axis K of the shaft 21. As a result, when the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction due to the drive of the steering device 50, the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 are more prone to twisting. The upper bush 80 is a specific example of a "cable positioning member".

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a lower bush 90 is provided at the lower end of the shaft portion 21. The lower bush 90 is inserted into the lower end of the shaft portion 21 and is fixed to the lower end of the shaft portion 21 so as not to rotate relative to the shaft portion 21. Figure 8(C) shows the lower bush 90. As shown in Figure 8(C), the lower bush 90 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower bush 90 is also provided with three cable insertion holes 91, 92, and 93. The lower end of the internal power cable 62 is inserted into cable insertion hole 91, the lower end of the internal power cable 64 is inserted into cable insertion hole 92, and the lower end of the internal signal cable 76 is inserted into cable insertion hole 93. The cable insertion holes 91, 92, and 93 are each positioned at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the axis K of the shaft portion 21. Therefore, the lower bush 90 positions the lower ends of the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 so that they are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the axis K of the shaft 21, within the lower end of the shaft 21. Since the lower bush 90 is fixed to the shaft 21 so as not to rotate, when the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction due to the drive of the steering device 50, the lower bush 90 rotates together with the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2. By providing the lower bush 90 at the lower end of the shaft 21, when the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 twist within the shaft 21 due to the rotation of the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2, displacement of the lower ends of the internal power cables 62, 64 and the internal signal cable 76 relative to the propulsion device 2 can be suppressed. This reduces the force applied from the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 to the terminals of the inverter 6 when they twist within the shaft 21 due to the rotation of the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2. In addition, the lower bush 90 positions the lower ends of the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 so that they are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the axis K of the shaft 21. This makes the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 more prone to twisting when the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate left and right due to the drive of the steering device 50.The lower bushing 90 is a specific example of a "cable positioning member".

[0065] As described above, in the outboard motor 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the terminal connecting member 69 is fixed to the upper case portion 37 of the upper case 35 such that its second connecting portion 72 is located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21. The cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6 of the propulsion device 2 is divided into an external power cable 61 and an internal power cable 62. The external power cable 61 is located outside the shaft portion 21, and the rear end of the external power cable 61 is connected to the first connecting portion 71 of the terminal connecting member 69. The internal power cable 62 passes inside the shaft portion 21, and the lower end of the internal power cable 62 is fixed to the positive terminal of the inverter 6. The upper end of the internal power cable 62 is pulled out from the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 and connected to the second connecting portion 72 of the terminal connecting member 69. Furthermore, the terminal connection member 70 is fixed to the upper case portion 37 of the upper case 35 such that its second connection portion 72 is located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21. The cable connecting the negative terminal of the battery and the negative terminal of the inverter 6 of the propulsion device 2 is divided into an external power cable 63 and an internal power cable 64. The external power cable 63 is located outside the shaft portion 21, and its rear end is connected to the first connection portion 71 of the terminal connection member 70. The internal power cable 64 passes inside the shaft portion 21, and its lower end is fixed to the negative terminal of the inverter 6. The upper end of the internal power cable 64 is pulled out of the shaft portion 21 through the upper opening 22 and connected to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 70. In this configuration, when the shaft portion 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction due to the drive of the steering device 50, the internal power cables 62 and 64 are displaced inside the shaft portion 21 so as to twist approximately around the axis K of the shaft portion 21. On the other hand, even when the shaft 21 and the propulsion system 2 rotate in the left-right direction due to the drive of the steering system 50, neither the external power cables 61 nor 63 are displaced. Since neither the external power cables 61 nor 63 are displaced even when the shaft 21 and the propulsion system 2 rotate in the left-right direction, neither the external power cable 61 nor the external power cable 63 will come into contact with any object on the ship or the hull due to the rotation of the shaft 21 and the propulsion system 2.Furthermore, when the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction, the internal power cables 62 and 64 are only displaced in a twisting manner within the shaft 21. Therefore, the rotation of the shaft 21 and the propulsion device 2 does not cause the internal power cable 62 or internal power cable 64 to strike any objects on the ship or the hull. Thus, according to the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, when the propulsion device 2 rotates in the left-right direction relative to the ship, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the cables 61 to 64 connected to the propulsion device 2 in conjunction with the propulsion device 2. This prevents the cables 61 to 64 connected to the propulsion device 2 from striking any objects on the ship or the hull when the propulsion device 2 rotates in the left-right direction relative to the ship.

[0066] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, when the propulsion device 2 rotates in the left-right direction, the internal power cables 62 and 64 are displaced within the shaft 21 in a twisting manner about the axis K of the shaft 21, while the external power cables 61 and 63 do not displace. Therefore, in the outboard motor 1, it is sufficient to secure the space above the upper opening 22 of the shaft 21 and the space within the shaft 21 as space to accommodate the displacement of cables 61-64 due to the rotation of the propulsion device 2. Thus, the space required to accommodate the displacement of cables 61-64 due to the rotation of the propulsion device 2 can be reduced. As a result, a compact outboard motor 1 can be realized.

[0067] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the connector 78 is positioned above and in front of the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21, near the opening 22, and is fixed to the upper case portion 37. Also, for example, a cable connecting the signal output terminal of a remote control device provided on a ship and the control terminal of the inverter 6 of the propulsion device 2 is divided into an external signal cable 75 and an internal signal cable 76. The external signal cable 75 is positioned outside the shaft portion 21, and a connector 77 attached to the rear end of the external signal cable 75 is fitted into the connector 78. The internal signal cable 76 passes inside the shaft portion 21, and the lower end of the internal signal cable 76 is fixed to the control terminal of the inverter 6. The upper end of the internal signal cable 76 is pulled out of the shaft portion 21 through the upper opening 22 and attached to the connector 78. In this configuration, when the shaft portion 21 and the propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction by the drive of the steering device 50, the internal signal cable 76 is displaced inside the shaft portion 21 so as to twist approximately around the axis K of the shaft portion 21. On the other hand, even when the shaft 21 and propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction due to the drive of the steering device 50, the external signal cable 75 does not displace. Since the external signal cable 75 does not displace even when the shaft 21 and propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction, the rotation of the shaft 21 and propulsion device 2 will not cause the external signal cable 75 to hit any objects on the ship or the hull. Furthermore, when the shaft 21 and propulsion device 2 rotate in the left-right direction, the internal signal cable 76 only displaces by twisting within the shaft 21, so the rotation of the shaft 21 and propulsion device 2 will not cause the internal signal cable 76 to hit any objects on the ship or the hull. Thus, according to the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, when the propulsion device 2 rotates in the left-right direction relative to the ship, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the cables 75 and 76 connected to the propulsion device 2 in conjunction with the propulsion device 2, thereby preventing the cables 75 and 76 connected to the propulsion device 2 from hitting any objects on the ship or the hull when the propulsion device 2 rotates in the left-right direction relative to the ship.

[0068] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, when the propulsion device 2 rotates in the left-right direction, the internal signal cable 76 is displaced within the shaft portion 21 so as to twist approximately around the axis K of the shaft portion 21, while the external signal cable 75 does not displace. Therefore, in the outboard motor 1, it is sufficient to secure space approximately above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 and space within the shaft portion 21 to allow for the displacement of cables 75 and 76 due to the rotation of the propulsion device 2. Thus, the space required to allow for the displacement of cables 75 and 76 due to the rotation of the propulsion device 2 can be reduced. As a result, a compact outboard motor 1 can be realized.

[0069] Furthermore, when supplying power from the battery to the inverter 6, electrically speaking, only one cable is needed to connect the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6. However, in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, the cable is divided into an external power cable 61 and an internal power cable 62. The external power cable 61 is routed outside the shaft portion 21 to extend in the front-rear direction, and the internal power cable 62 is routed inside the shaft portion 21 to extend in the up-down direction. The external power cable 61 and the internal power cable 62 are electrically connected via a terminal connecting member 69. This configuration reduces the space required for routing the cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6.

[0070] To explain in more detail, the drive motor that rotates the propeller requires a large current, and a large current flows through the cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6. Therefore, this cable is thick and rigid. Consequently, when routing this cable, if the cable is bent to change its direction of extension by, for example, 90 degrees, the radius of curvature of the bent portion of the cable becomes large. As a result, if there is only one cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6, the space required to route the cable after bending it by 90 degrees becomes large. In contrast, in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, the cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6 is divided into an external power cable 61 and an internal power cable 62, and the external power cable 61, which extends in the front-to-back direction, and the internal power cable 62, which extends in the up-and-down direction, are connected via a terminal connection member 69. With this configuration, the extension direction of the internal power cable 64 can be changed by 90 degrees relative to the extension direction of the external power cable 61 without bending either the external power cable 61 or the internal power cable 64. Therefore, the space required for routing the external power cable 61 and the internal power cable 62 connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6, as well as for arranging the terminal connection member 69, is smaller than the space required to route a single cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6, bending it by 90 degrees. Thus, with the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, the space required for routing the cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6 can be reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, the cable connecting the negative terminal of the battery and the negative terminal of the inverter 6 is divided into an external power cable 63 and an internal power cable 64. The external power cable 63 is routed outside the shaft portion 21 so as to extend in the front-rear direction, and the internal power cable 64 is routed inside the shaft portion 21 so as to extend in the up-down direction. The external power cable 63 and the internal power cable 64 are electrically connected via a terminal connection member 70. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the space required for routing the cable connecting the negative terminal of the battery and the negative terminal of the inverter 6.

[0072] Thus, with the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, the space required for routing the cable connecting the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal of the inverter 6, and the space required for routing the cable connecting the negative terminal of the battery and the negative terminal of the inverter 6 can be reduced, thereby enabling the outboard motor 1 to be made smaller.

[0073] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, the terminal connection members 69 and 70 are arranged such that the second connection portion 72 is located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21. The second connection portion 72 of each of the terminal connection members 69 and 70 has a connection surface 72A parallel to the axis K of the shaft portion 21. The upper end of the internal power cable 62 is connected to the connection surface 72A of the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 69, and the upper end of the internal power cable 64 is connected to the connection surface 72A of the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 70. With this configuration, the upper end of the internal power cable 62, which extends in the vertical direction, can be connected to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 69 with almost no bending, and the upper end of the internal power cable 64, which extends in the vertical direction, can be connected to the second connection portion 72 of the terminal connection member 70 with almost no bending. Therefore, bending of the upper ends of the internal power cables 62 and 64 within the shaft portion 21 can be suppressed, and strong contact between the upper ends of the internal power cables 62 or 64 and the inner circumferential surface of the shaft portion 21 can be suppressed.

[0074] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, the steering device 50 is located above the mounting mechanism 25, and the terminal connecting members 69 and 70 are located above the steering device 50. This configuration allows for a longer vertical distance between the terminal connecting members 69 and 70 and the propulsion device 2, thereby reducing the amount of displacement (torsion) per unit length of the internal power cables 62 and 64 and the internal signal cable 76 within the shaft 21 when the propulsion device 2 rotates due to the drive of the steering device 50. Consequently, it is possible to suppress strong contact between the internal power cables 62 and 64 or the internal signal cable 76 and the inner circumferential surface of the shaft 21 when the propulsion device 2 rotates, and also to suppress strong contact between the internal power cables 62 and 64 and the internal signal cable 76 and the propulsion device 2 when the propulsion device 2 rotates.

[0075] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1 of this embodiment, the worm 55 and worm wheel 57 of the steering device 50 are located outside the shaft portion 21, while the internal power cables 62, 64 and internal signal cables 76 pass through the shaft portion 21 and through the location where the worm 55 and worm wheel 57 are located in the outboard motor 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the internal power cables 62, 64 or the internal signal cables 76 from coming into contact with the worm 55 or worm wheel 57. [Examples]

[0076] Figure 9(A) shows a cross-section of the upper part of the outboard motor 121 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9(B) shows the outboard motor 121 viewed from above with the top plate 40 of the upper case 122 removed. In the outboard motor 121 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the outboard motor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and their descriptions are simplified or omitted.

[0077] As shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B), the outboard motor 121 is equipped with a single power cable 125 that connects the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the propulsion system inverter. The lower part of the power cable 125 extends vertically through the shaft portion 21, and the lower end of the power cable 125 is connected to and fixed to the positive terminal of the propulsion system inverter. The upper part of the power cable 125 is pulled out of the shaft portion 21 through the upper opening 22. The portion of the power cable 125 that is pulled out from the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 is bent to form an arc with a central angle of 90 degrees, then extends forward through the cable routing portion 124 of the upper case portion 123 of the upper case 122, then extends out of the cable routing portion 124 from the front, and then extends forward toward the vessel to which the outboard motor 121 is attached. The front end of the power cable 125 is connected to the positive terminal of a battery located on the vessel to which the outboard motor 121 is mounted. The outboard motor 121 also has a power cable 126 that connects the negative terminal of the battery to the negative terminal of the propulsion system's inverter. The power cable 126 is routed in the same way as the power cable 125. The lower end of the power cable 126 is connected to and fixed to the negative terminal of the propulsion system's inverter. The front end of the power cable 126 is connected to the negative terminal of a battery located on the vessel to which the outboard motor 121 is mounted.

[0078] Furthermore, the outboard motor 121 is equipped with an upper bush 130 that supports the portion of the power cable 125 located inside the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 and above the opening 22, and the portion of the power cable 126 located inside the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 and above the opening 22, respectively, so as to prevent rotation in the left-right direction relative to the mounting mechanism 25. The upper bush 130 has cable insertion holes 131, 132, 133 and a fixing portion 134, similar to the upper bush 80 shown in Figure 8(B). The upper bush 130 is rotatably inserted into the uppermost end of the shaft portion 21 relative to the shaft portion 21. Also, as shown in Figure 9(B), the upper bush 130 is fixed to the upper case portion 123 by fixing the fixing portion 134 to the upper case portion 123 using a fixing member such as a bolt. Furthermore, a power cable 125 is inserted into cable insertion hole 131, a power cable 126 is inserted into cable insertion hole 132, and an internal signal cable 76 is inserted into cable insertion hole 133. The upper bush 130 is made of a material with higher strength than the upper bush 80 shown in Figure 8(B) so that it can firmly support the portion of the power cable 125 located from the inside of the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 to above the opening 22, and the portion of the power cable 126 located from the inside of the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 to above the opening 22, so as not to rotate relative to the mounting mechanism 25. In addition, the fixing portion 134 of the upper bush 130 is thicker than the fixing portion 84 of the upper bush 80. Furthermore, the upper bush 130, like the upper bush 80, has the function of positioning the power cables 125, 126 and the internal signal cable 76 such that their respective upper ends are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the axis of the shaft portion 21. The upper bush 130 is a specific example of a "cable support portion" and a "cable positioning member".

[0079] In the outboard motor 121 of the second embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, when the shaft 21 and the propulsion unit rotate in the left-right direction by the drive of the steering device 50, the portion of the power cables 125 and 126 from the part located inside the upper opening 22 of the shaft 21 to the lower end is displaced in a twisting manner about the axis of the shaft 21. However, even when the shaft 21 and the propulsion unit rotate in the left-right direction by the drive of the steering device 50, the portion of the power cables 125 and 126 from the front end connected to the battery provided on the ship to the portion located above the upper opening 22 of the shaft 21 does not displace. Thus, according to the outboard motor 121 of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the propulsion unit rotates in the left-right direction relative to the ship, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the cables 125 and 126 connected to the propulsion unit in conjunction with the propulsion unit. Therefore, when the propulsion unit rotates in the left-right direction relative to the ship, it is possible to prevent the cables 125 and 126 connected to the propulsion unit from hitting an object provided on the ship or the hull.

[0080] In the first embodiment described above, the external power cables 61 and 63 only need to be routed outside the shaft portion 21 so as not to be displaced by the rotation of the shaft portion 21 and the propulsion device 2. As long as they are routed in this manner, the specific routing path of the external power cables 61 and 63 is not limited. The same applies to the routing of the portions of the power cables 125 and 126 that are pulled out from the upper opening 22 of the shaft portion 21 in the second embodiment described above.

[0081] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1 of the first embodiment described above, a terminal connection member 69(70) is used as the cable support part. However, instead of the terminal connection member 69(70), other members that are conductive and have sufficient strength to support the rear end of the external power cable 61(63) and the upper end of the internal power cable 62(64) so ​​that they cannot rotate in the left-right direction relative to the upper case part 37 may be used.

[0082] Furthermore, in the outboard motor 1(121) of each of the above embodiments, as shown in Figure 4 (Figure 9(A)), the steering motor 51 and worm 55 of the steering device 50 are located in front of the shaft portion 21. However, in the present invention, the arrangement of the steering motor 51 and worm 55 is not limited to this. For example, as in the outboard motor 141 shown in Figure 10, the shape of the lower case portion 143 and the upper case portion 144 of the upper case 142 may be changed, and the steering motor 51 and worm 55 may be located behind the shaft portion 21. With this configuration, new components can be added to the front part of the upper case 142.

[0083] Furthermore, the present invention may be modified as appropriate, provided that it does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention as can be read from the claims and the specification as a whole, and outboard motors with such modifications are also included in the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1, 121, 141 Outboard motors 2 Propulsion device 3 propellers 4. Drive motor 21 Shaft 22 Opening 25 Mounting mechanism 35, 122, 142 Upper Case 50 Steering gear 51 Steering motor 55 Warm 57 Worm Wheel 61, 63 External power cable (first cable section) 62, 64 Internal power cable (second cable section) 69, 70 Terminal connection components (cable support parts) 71 First connection part 72 Second connection section 72A Connection surface 75 External signal cable (first cable section) 76 Internal signal cable (second cable section) 78 Connector (cable support part) 80 Upper bushing (cable positioning member) 90 Lower bushing (cable positioning member) 125, 126 Power Cables 130 Upper bushing (cable support part, cable positioning member)

Claims

1. An outboard motor used to propel a ship, A propulsion system having a propeller and a drive motor for rotating the propeller, A shaft portion formed in a cylindrical shape, extending in the vertical direction, with the propulsion device fixed to its lower end, A mounting mechanism for attaching the shaft portion to the ship so as to be rotatable about the axis of the shaft portion, A steering device having a steering motor, which rotates the shaft portion by driving the steering motor, thereby changing the orientation of the propulsion device in the left-right direction, A cable that passes through the shaft portion, has its lower end fixed to the propulsion device, and its upper end is pulled out of the shaft portion through an opening on the upper side of the shaft portion, and sends power or electrical signals to the propulsion device to drive the drive motor, An outboard motor characterized by comprising a cable support portion that supports a portion of the cable that is pulled out from the upper opening of the shaft portion to the outside of the shaft portion, a portion of the cable located above the upper opening of the shaft portion, or a portion of the cable located inside the upper opening of the shaft portion, so as to prevent rotation in the left-right direction with respect to the mounting mechanism.

2. It is fixed to the aforementioned mounting mechanism and includes an upper case that covers the upper end portion of the shaft, The outboard motor according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable support portion is fixed to the upper case.

3. It is fixed to the aforementioned mounting mechanism and includes an upper case that covers the upper end portion of the shaft, The cable support portion is formed of a conductive material and has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, and is fixed to the upper case such that the second connecting portion is located above the upper opening of the shaft portion. The cable is divided into a first cable section and a second cable section. The first cable portion is located outside the shaft portion, and one end of the first cable portion is connected to the first connection portion. The outboard motor according to claim 1, characterized in that the second cable portion passes through the shaft portion, the lower end of the second cable portion is fixed to the propulsion device, and the upper end of the second cable portion is pulled out of the shaft portion from the upper opening of the shaft portion and connected to the second connection portion.

4. The outboard motor according to claim 3, characterized in that the second connection portion has a connection surface parallel to the axis of the shaft portion, and the upper end of the second cable portion is connected to the connection surface.

5. Equipped with multiple of the aforementioned cables, The outboard motor according to claim 1, characterized in that a cable positioning member is provided at the lower or upper end of the shaft portion for positioning the plurality of cables such that each of the plurality of cables is separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the axis of the shaft portion within the shaft portion.

6. The outboard motor according to claim 1, characterized in that the steering device is located above the mounting mechanism, and the cable support is located above the steering device.

7. The outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the steering device has a worm and a worm wheel that transmit power from the steering motor to the shaft, and the worm and the worm wheel are arranged on the outside of the shaft.

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