Improvements in or related to external propulsion systems

Abstract

Outboard propulsion system for mounting on a boat, comprising: a first part having an engine; and a second part having a propeller shaft mounted to the first part and operably connected to the engine, wherein the first part is at least partially covered by a plurality of removable panels, at least one removable panel being a service hatch that is movable between a closed position configured to obstruct access to the first part and an open position configured to provide access to the first part, the service hatch providing access from inside the boat to the first part when in use and in the open position, and each removable panel being primarily planar.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to outboard propulsion systems, and more specifically, to an outboard propulsion system having improved packaging and / or layout. [[Background Art]]

[0002] An outboard propulsion system includes a first portion having an engine, and a second portion including a propeller shaft operably connected to the engine. The first portion is normally covered by a removable cowl in the form of a monolithic cover. Removing the cowl to access or repair components of the first portion is typically burdensome and cannot be easily accomplished by a user of the outboard propulsion system. Furthermore, if the cowl is removed while the outboard propulsion system is in use, the entire first portion is exposed to the external environment, which may lead to unnecessary water intrusion into the system. This is particularly problematic when the boat is located in turbulent waters such as the sea and / or saline waters. The removed cowl is usually bulky and also needs to be temporarily stored, which is undesirable considering that boats typically have limited available space. [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0003] The present invention has been made in view of the above background. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided an outboard propulsion system for attachment to a boat, the outboard propulsion system including: a first portion provided with an engine; and a second portion attached to the first portion and provided with a propeller shaft operably connected to the engine.

[0005] The first portion may be covered at least partially by a number of removable panels. At least one removable panel may be a service hatch that is movable between a closed position configured to prevent access to the first portion and an open position configured to provide access to the first portion. The service hatch may be positioned to provide access to the first portion from inside the boat when in use and in its open position.

[0006] Each removable panel may be primarily planar. Alternatively or additionally, each removable panel may be substantially planar. In other words, each removable panel may be substantially flat. One or more panels may have contours such as aesthetic, reinforcing, and / or aerodynamic details. One or more panels may further have curved edges or corners. The fact that a panel is primarily and / or substantially planar (or flat) means that the minimum possible cubic volume that completely encloses the panel has X and Y dimensions that are much larger than the Z dimension. For example, each of the X and Y dimensions may be at least 5 times larger than the Z dimension. More specifically, each of the X and Y dimensions may be at least 10 times larger than the Z dimension. Most specifically, each of the X and Y dimensions may be at least 15 times larger than the Z dimension.

[0007] The service hatch may be located at least partially on the forward end of the outboard propulsion system. In this context, the forward end of the outboard propulsion system is the side that is closest to the stern of the boat when the outboard propulsion system is mounted to the boat.

[0008] The first part may be a power head. The second part may be a lower unit (or lower gear case). The second part may be configured to rotate relative to the first part. More specifically, the second part may be configured to rotate relative to the first part about a steering axis. The steering axis may intersect the longitudinal axis of the propeller shaft at an obtuse angle. The obtuse angle may be between 90 degrees and 170 degrees, more preferably between 100 degrees and 160 degrees, or most preferably between 110 degrees and 140 degrees.

[0009] The service hatch may be connected to at least one other removable panel via at least one hinge. As such, in some embodiments, the service hatch may be connected to a removable panel via a hinge. Alternatively, the service hatch may be connected to one removable panel via multiple hinges, and / or the service hatch may be connected to multiple removable panels via one hinge. The service hatch may further include a latch. The latch may be movable between a closed position configured to fix the service hatch in its closed position and an open position configured to allow the service hatch or at least a portion thereof to rotate around at least one of the aforementioned hinges.

[0010] The first section comprises a turbocharger and an air filter, the air filter may be connected to the turbocharger via a non-linear pipe configured to carry the airflow from the air filter to the turbocharger. The air filter is accessible from inside the boat through a service hatch.

[0011] Non-linear pipes may be configured to provide separation between the air filter and the turbocharger. For example, the air filter and turbocharger may be at least 100 mm apart, more preferably at least 200 mm apart, or most preferably at least 250 mm apart. More specifically, the air outlet of the air filter may be at least 50 mm apart from the air inlet of the turbocharger, more preferably at least 100 mm apart, or most preferably at least 250 mm apart. The air inlet of the turbocharger may be configured to provide airflow directly to the compressor.

[0012] By placing a non-linear pipe between the air filter and the turbocharger, a more compact first-part packaging is achieved compared to conventional outboard propulsion systems, and thus the air filter can be positioned to be accessible from inside the boat via a service hatch.

[0013] The non-linear pipe may be shaped to carry laminar airflow from the air filter to the turbocharger. Providing laminar airflow to the turbocharger controls the airflow velocity and prevents the turbocharger's compressor wheel from overspinning.

[0014] The non-linear pipe may have a bend having a non-circular cross-section. The bend may be located between the air filter and the turbocharger. The bend may be up to 90 degrees, 100 degrees, or 120 degrees. However, in some embodiments, the bend may be up to 180 degrees.

[0015] A non-circular cross-section will ensure that laminar airflow is maintained within the pipe. The non-circular cross-section may be bulbous. The non-circular cross-section may also be elliptical.

[0016] The non-linear pipe may have an inlet connected to an air filter. The inlet may have a substantially circular cross-section. The non-linear pipe may have an outlet connected to a turbocharger. The outlet may have a substantially circular cross-section. The cross-section of the pipe may transition gradually and / or smoothly between (and back to) the aforementioned circular and non-circular cross-sections.

[0017] The turbocharger may include a compressor. Non-linear pipes may carry air from the air filter to the compressor. The exact shape of the non-linear pipes may be optimized to maintain laminar airflow between the air filter and the turbocharger. The shape selection may be determined or derived by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model.

[0018] The first part may include a cooling unit for cooling gearbox oil and fuel, comprising: a cooling conduit having an inlet for receiving raw water and an outlet for discharging raw water; an oil conduit for carrying oil for use in the gearbox, which is at least partially located within the cooling conduit; and a fuel conduit for carrying fuel for use in the engine, which is at least partially located within the cooling conduit. The oil conduit located within the cooling conduit may be positioned between the inlet and the fuel conduit located within the cooling conduit. The cooling unit is accessible from inside the boat via a service hatch. In particular, the fuel conduit may carry fuel into a fuel tank. The fuel in the fuel tank may be for use in the engine. The fuel may be diesel. The fuel in the fuel conduit may be unused fuel from the engine.

[0019] The cooling unit for cooling the gearbox oil and fuel reduces the overall packaging size of the outboard propulsion system compared to a standard system that requires separate cooling systems for fuel and gearbox. Furthermore, routing the oil conduit downstream of the fuel conduit through the cooling conduit maximizes the temperature difference between the fluid to be cooled and the raw water in the cooling conduit, thus improving the efficiency of the cooling unit. This further reduces the unit's packaging size. For example, the cooling unit can be 0.02 m². 3 Less than, or more preferably 0.01m 3 Less than, or most preferably 0.005m 3 It may be less than 0.015 m 3 It may be less than that. Therefore, the cooling unit can be positioned to be accessible via a service hatch.

[0020] During use, the temperature of the oil in the oil conduit installed within the cooling conduit may drop by at least 8°C, or more preferably 10°C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the oil in the oil conduit within the cooling conduit may drop by at least 12°C. Alternatively or additionally, during use, the temperature of the fuel in the fuel conduit within the cooling conduit may drop by at least 20°C, or more preferably 25°C. In some embodiments, during use, the temperature of the fuel in the fuel conduit within the cooling conduit may drop by at least 30°C.

[0021] The first part may include a gearbox. Oil conduits may be configured to transport oil to and / or from the gearbox. For example, oil conduits may be configured to transport oil from the gearbox, through cooling conduits, and back to the gearbox.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the engine may be in fluid communication with a fuel tank. The fuel tank may be remote from the first and second portions. The fuel conduit may be configured to convey fuel from the engine to the fuel tank. In particular, the fuel conduit may be configured to convey fuel from the engine, through the cooling conduit, and to the fuel tank. Accordingly, the fuel conduit may be a fuel return line. The fuel in the fuel conduit may be surplus un-injected fuel from the engine. The outboard propulsion system may further comprise a fuel feed line configured to convey fuel from the fuel tank to the engine.

[0023] In use, the inlet of the cooling unit may be in fluid communication with a body of water. Said fluid communication may be provided by an inlet conduit. The inlet conduit may be connected to the inlet of the cooling unit. In this arrangement, raw water can be pumped into the cooling unit from the body of water in which the boat floats during use. This may be achieved using a raw water pump.

[0024] In use, the outlet of the cooling unit may be in fluid communication with a body of water. Said fluid communication may be provided by an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit may be connected to the outlet of the cooling unit. In this arrangement, raw water can be pumped out from the cooling unit to the body of water in which the boat floats during use. This may be achieved using a raw water pump.

[0025] In use, raw water may be configured to be conveyed through the cooling conduit only once before being returned to the body of water. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outlet conduit may be configured to convey (return) the raw water that has passed through the cooling conduit directly back to the body of water. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the outlet conduit may be configured to convey (return) the raw water that has passed through the cooling conduit to the body of water via one or more components of the outboard propulsion system.

[0026] For example, in some embodiments, the outlet conduit may provide fluid communication between the cooling unit outlet and the turbocharger air cooler. More specifically, in some embodiments, the outlet conduit may provide fluid communication between the cooling unit outlet and the glycol heat exchanger via the turbocharger air cooler. The glycol heat exchanger may sometimes be used to cool an engine. The turbocharger air cooler may be configured to receive a compressed airflow from the turbocharger and cool the airflow before delivering it to the engine. This may be achieved using raw water discharged from the cooling unit. For example, thermal energy (heat) in the compressed air can be transferred into the raw water inside the turbocharger air cooler. The raw water can then exit the outboard motor via the second portion.

[0027] The cooling unit may further comprise a service inlet and / or a service outlet. The service inlet and / or the service outlet may be in fluid communication with the cooling conduit. This allows the cooling conduit to be flushed with clean water while it remains attached to the outboard motor, owing to the installation position of the service hatch of the cooling unit.

[0028] The oil conduit may be configured to convey oil directly from the gearbox to the cooling conduit, pass the oil through the cooling conduit, and convey the oil directly back from the cooling conduit to the gearbox. Accordingly, during use, the oil may be conveyed through the cooling unit only once before being returned to the gearbox. In other words, the oil conduit may be configured to convey oil that has passed through the cooling unit directly back to the gearbox.

[0029] The fuel conduit may be configured to carry fuel directly from the engine to the cooling conduit, through the cooling conduit, and then directly from the cooling conduit to the fuel tank. Therefore, during use, the fuel may pass through the cooling unit only once before being delivered to the fuel tank. In other words, the fuel conduit may be configured to carry fuel that has passed through the cooling unit directly to the fuel tank. As a result, the cooling unit is sometimes called a "single-pass," "once-pass," or "1-pass" cooler.

[0030] The first section comprises an oil reservoir that is in fluid communication with the second section via an oil transfer pipe configured to carry oil between the second section and the first section, and the oil reservoir may be provided with a visual guide configured to indicate how much oil is in it. The oil reservoir may be accessible from inside the boat through a service hatch. The visual guide may be visible from inside the boat through the service hatch.

[0031] Therefore, a boat equipped with an outboard propulsion system does not need to be lifted out of the water to determine how much oil is in the second section. Rather, if oil is removed from the second section, whether intentionally or unintentionally, the oil level in the reservoir will drop. Thus, a visual guide can be used to determine the amount of oil in the system.

[0032] The oil in the oil reservoir and / or in the second part may be pressurized. The oil in the second part may provide lubrication to the gears and / or bearings installed in the second part. Alternatively or additionally, the oil in the second part may provide cooling to the gears and / or bearings installed in the second part.

[0033] The outboard propulsion system may further include an oil filling and suction tube configured to carry oil into and / or out of the second section. The oil filling and suction tube may have an opening that is accessible from inside the boat through a service hatch during use. In such a configuration, the oil filling and suction tube can be configured to carry oil between the opening and the second section. This can be used to fill the second section with oil and / or to suction oil from within the second section. The opening may be an inlet.

[0034] Therefore, a boat equipped with an outboard propulsion system does not need to be lifted out of the water to fill the second section with oil and / or to drain oil from the second section. Instead, the oil to be used in the second section will be drawn out through a service hatch using negative pressure (vacuum) generated by a commercially available / off-the-shelf vacuum oil and fluid extraction device.

[0035] Furthermore, the oil filling and suction tubes may also be configured to receive pressurized oil. In such a configuration, once the second part is filled with a predetermined amount of oil, the oil is transported along the oil transfer pipe into the oil reservoir. The predetermined amount of oil may be determined by the location of the fluid connection between the oil transfer pipe and the second part. For example, the connection may be positioned so that oil enters the reservoir only when the second part is filled with oil.

[0036] The openings of the oil filling and suction tubes may be equipped with quick connector couplings. The quick connector couplings may be directly connected to the oil filling and suction tubes. The quick connector couplings may be permanently connected to the oil filling and suction tubes. Furthermore, the first part may also be equipped with a bracket configured to receive the quick connector coupling. The bracket may be attached to the oil reservoir.

[0037] The present invention further provides a plurality of removable panels for covering at least a portion of the first part of the outboard propulsion system. At least one removable panel may be a service hatch. The service hatch may be movable between a closed position configured to prevent access to the first part of the outboard propulsion system during use and an open position configured to provide access to the first part of the outboard propulsion system from inside the boat during use.

[0038] The removable panel can provide access to the components of the outboard propulsion system without having to expose the entire first section. Thus, the present invention enables quick and easy access to all components installed within the first section, particularly those installed on the top of the first section and on any side of the first section.

[0039] Furthermore, the ability to access the first part of the outboard propulsion system from inside the boat via a service hatch significantly improves accessibility to critical components of the outboard propulsion system. For example, a service hatch may be used to provide access to at least one of the following: (turbocharger) air filter, fuel filter, direct drive system (DDS), gearbox oil filling / suction port, raw water pump, raw water strainer, engine oil filler, dry sump (i.e., gearbox oil reservoir) drain, engine coolant expansion tank, fuse box, onboard diagnostic (OBD) port, gearbox oil filter, and power distribution module.

[0040] Similarly, removable panels can be used to access components located on the sides of the outboard propulsion system without having to expose the entire first part. For example, removable panels such as removable side panels may be used to provide access to at least one of the following: (turbocharger) air filters, oil expansion tanks for the second part, raw water strainers, oil dipsticks, oil filling and suction pipes for the second part, engine coolant expansion tanks, raw water pumps, and gearbox oil filters.

[0041] Multiple removable panels may be connected to one another. More specifically, multiple removable panels may be directly connected to one another. Each removable panel may have at least one fastener or connector configured to hold the panels together as a single unit. Removable panels simplify the installation process because individual panels can be added to the outboard propulsion system one by one to cover the first section. Furthermore, individual panels, particularly those that are primarily and / or substantially planar, are easier to house than a monolithic cover.

[0042] In some embodiments, the outboard propulsion system includes a frame. The frame may be configured to receive one or more removable panels. For example, one or more removable panels may connect to the frame. The panels may conceal the frame during use. In such a case, the frame may be an internal frame. The frame can assist in the installation of (external) panels. This can simplify the assembly of individual panels, as attempting to assemble panels that are not constrained by a frame can be extremely difficult due to panel tolerances and the access / visibility of the fastener sockets.

[0043] In some embodiments, the frame may be configured to receive each removable panel. Alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more removable panels may not be connected to the frame. Instead, one or more removable panels may be directly connected to the first part, the second part, and / or another removable panel.

[0044] The frame may be attached to a first part of the outboard propulsion system. For example, the frame may be attached to the engine. The frame can utilize the most suitable fixing location within the first part and provide a robust and better positioned fixing location for the removable panels. In this manner, multiple uniform, symmetrical, and / or mirror-finish removable panels can be used, even if the components within the first part are asymmetrical from one side to the other.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the frame may be attached to the second part. More specifically, the frame may be configured to form a seal to the second part. For example, the frame may have a seal configured to contact the second part. The seal can prevent fluid from entering the outboard propulsion system through the connection between the first and second parts. The seal may be made of an elastic material and / or a polymer material.

[0046] At least one removable panel may be a removable side panel. At least one removable panel may be directly attached to a second part of the outboard propulsion system. Direct attachment of the panel to the second part eliminates the need to attach the panel to an internal frame. The second part may be a lower unit or a lower gear case.

[0047] The second part may include an upstand. The upstand may be part of the casing of the second part. Alternatively, the upstand may provide structural support to the second part. At least one removable panel may be fixed to the upstand.

[0048] At least one removable panel may be directly attached to another removable panel. At least one removable panel may be equipped with a fastener. The fastener may be removable. For example, the fastener may be a screw or a bolt. Alternatively or additionally, at least one removable panel may be equipped with a captive fastener. In the context of this application, “captive” means “fixed to” or “attached to.” As such, a captive fastener should not be easily detached from the panel, thus preventing it from falling off or getting lost. In some embodiments, the captive fastener is fixed to the panel by a grommet.

[0049] The grommet may be installed on the side of the panel closest to the first part during use. The grommet may be made of rubber.

[0050] The fasteners may be configured to attach the panel to at least one other panel and to a first or second part of the outboard propulsion system. The fasteners may be quick-release fasteners or quarter-turn fasteners. As a result, the panel can be removed without any special tools or equipment.

[0051] The fasteners may fasten the panel directly to the second part of the outboard propulsion system. More specifically, the fasteners may fasten the side panel directly to the upstand of the second part.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one removable panel is provided with a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be as described above. For example, at least one removable panel may be provided with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or more than 10 fasteners.

[0053] In some embodiments, each of the multiple removable panels is provided with one or more fasteners. For example, a service hatch may be provided with one or more fasteners.

[0054] A service hatch may be connected to a gas strut configured to rotate the hatch around its hinge. More specifically, the service hatch may be connected to a gas strut configured to move the hatch from a closed position to an open position by rotating the hatch around its hinge. Furthermore, when the hatch is in its open position, the gas strut may be configured to support the mass of the hatch. Thus, the gas strut may provide resistance to the hatch as it moves from its open position to its closed position. This is advantageous, for example, during maintenance.

[0055] The service hatch may be configured to open upward away from the boat during use. This can significantly reduce the complexity of the hinge and lower costs. In such a case, the hinge may be configured to rotate the service hatch around an axis substantially parallel to the stern of the boat during use. In most cases, the stern of the boat is substantially horizontal. In such a case, the axis of rotation of the hinge may be substantially horizontal.

[0056] In some embodiments, the service hatch may include a front hatch attached to at least one removable panel via a front hinge, the front hinge being configured to move the front hatch from a closed position to an open position by rotating the front hatch toward the boat around an axis substantially parallel to the boat's stern during use. The service hatch may further include a rear hatch attached to at least one removable panel via a rear hinge, the rear hinge being configured to move the rear hatch from a closed position to an open position by rotating the rear hatch away from the boat around an axis substantially parallel to the boat's stern during use. In most cases, the boat's stern is substantially horizontal. As such, the axes of rotation of the front and / or rear hinges may be substantially horizontal. This two-part service hatch allows easy access to components located in the front and rear of the first part.

[0057] Having a hinge with a pivot axis substantially parallel to the boat's stern during use facilitates rotation, at least when the first part of the outboard motor is in a neutral position. This would always be true if the first part is fixed to the boat. Furthermore, this would also be true if a (conventional) outboard propulsion system having a rotatable first part is positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the propeller shaft is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boat. However, if the first part of the outboard propulsion system is rotated away from its neutral position (i.e., to face left or right) around its steering axis, the pivot axis of the service hatch will rotate by the same amount relative to the boat's stern. In this case as well, the pivot axes of the front and / or rear hinges can be substantially horizontal.

[0058] The front hatch and the rear hatch may be fixed together via a latch. The latch may be the aforementioned latch. In such a case, the latch may be movable between a closed position configured to fix the front hatch and the rear hatch together and an open position configured to allow the front hatch and / or the rear hatch to rotate around the front hatch and the rear hatch, respectively.

[0059] In some embodiments, at least one of the front hatch and the rear hatch may be connected to a gas strut configured to rotate the hatch around its hinge. More specifically, at least one of the front hatch and the rear hatch may be connected to a gas strut configured to move the hatch from a closed position to an open position by rotating the hatch around its hinge. At least one gas strut may be as described above.

[0060] The rear hatch may be approximately 830mm x 700mm x 630mm. The front hatch may be approximately 700mm x 410mm x 300mm.

[0061] At least one of the front hatch and the rear hatch may be supported between two removable panels when the hatch is in its closed position. Supporting the front and / or rear hatch between two removable panels provides rigidity to the multiple removable panels without the need for an internal frame. This simplifies the design, minimizes costs, and improves accessibility to the propulsion system covered at least partially by the multiple removable panels. At least one of the front and rear hatch may be supported between two removable panels.

[0062] At least one removable panel may include an aperture configured to receive at least two of the following: fuel supply and return lines, battery connection wires, and helm control unit connection wires. Providing an aperture to receive multiple elements for connection to the boat simplifies the connection process between the outboard propulsion system and the boat. In some embodiments, the aperture receives each of the fuel supply and return lines, battery connection wires, and helm control unit connection wires. The aperture may also be an access port. The access port may be configured to receive only the fuel supply and return lines, battery connection wires, and helm control unit connection wires.

[0063] Fuel supply lines and fuel return lines may provide fluid communication between the fuel tank and the engine. In particular, the fuel supply line may be configured to transport fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. The fuel return line may be configured to transport fuel from the engine to the fuel tank.

[0064] The battery connection wire may be configured to supply electrical energy to a battery located within the outboard propulsion system. The electrical energy may be supplied from the boat. In such a configuration, the battery connection wire may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the battery in the outboard propulsion system and the boat.

[0065] The helm control unit connecting wire may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the boat, more specifically the boat's helm, and at least one electrical component of the outboard propulsion system. The electrical component of the outboard propulsion system may be a central processing unit (CPU).

[0066] The invention will now be explained more specifically and in greater detail, using the attached drawings as a simple example. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0067] [Figure 1] The present invention illustrates an outboard propulsion system according to several embodiments, the outboard propulsion system comprising a first portion covered at least partially by a plurality of removable panels. [Figure 2] The present invention illustrates an outboard propulsion system according to several embodiments, the outboard propulsion system comprising a first portion covered at least partially by a plurality of removable panels. [Figure 3] The present invention illustrates a plurality of removable panels and service hatches for covering at least a portion of an outboard propulsion system according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4]The first part of an outboard propulsion system according to several embodiments of the present invention is shown, comprising a turbocharger and an air filter connected via non-linear pipes. [Figure 5] This shows a cooling unit for cooling the gearbox oil and fuel. [Figure 6] The present invention illustrates an outboard propulsion system according to several embodiments, wherein the first part comprises an oil reservoir that is in fluid communication with the second part via an oil transfer pipe. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] Figure 1 shows an outboard propulsion system 1000 according to several embodiments of the present invention. The outboard propulsion system 1000 comprises a first section 1100 housing an engine 1102. The outboard propulsion system 1000 further comprises a second section 1200 (not shown in Figure 1). The second section 1200 is attached to the first section 1100. The second section 1200 comprises a propeller shaft (not shown in the accompanying drawings) operably connected to the engine 1102. The propeller shaft comprises a propeller. During use, the engine 1102 is configured to rotate the propeller shaft, and as a result, the propeller propels the boat equipped with the outboard propulsion system 1000 through the water.

[0069] The first section 1100 is covered at least in part by a number of removable panels 1300. One of the removable panels 1300 is a service hatch 1310. The service hatch 1310 is movable between an open position (shown in Figure 1) and a closed position (shown in Figure 3). In use, the service hatch 1310 provides access to the first section 1100 when it is in its open position. In use, the service hatch 1310 prevents access to the first section 1100 when it is in its closed position. Furthermore, the service hatch 1310 is also positioned to provide access to the first section 1100 from inside a boat (not shown) to which the outboard propulsion system 1000 is mounted when the service hatch 1310 is in its open position.

[0070] The service hatch 1310 is attached to at least one removable panel 1302 via at least one hinge (not shown). The hinge is configured to move the service hatch 1310 from its closed position to its open position by rotating the service hatch 1310 upward away from the boat during use. As such, the hinge may be configured to rotate the service hatch 1310 around an axis substantially parallel to the stern of the boat during use. In most cases, the stern of the boat is substantially horizontal. As such, the axis of rotation of the hinge may be substantially horizontal. The service hatch 1310 is supported between two removable panels 1302, such as a removable side panel 1301, when the service hatch 1310 is in its closed position.

[0071] At least one of the multiple removable panels 1300 may be provided with an aperture 1318. The aperture 1318 is configured to receive at least two of the following: fuel supply lines and fuel return lines, battery connection wires, and helm control unit connection wires.

[0072] Figure 2 shows an outboard propulsion system 1000 according to several embodiments of the present invention. The outboard propulsion system 1000 comprises a first section 1100 housing an engine 1102. The outboard propulsion system 1000 further comprises a second section 1200 (not shown in Figure 2). The second section 1200 is attached to the first section 1100. The second section 1200 comprises a propeller shaft (not shown in the accompanying drawings) operably connected to the engine 1102. The propeller shaft comprises a propeller. During use, the engine 1102 is configured to rotate the propeller shaft, and as a result, the propeller propels the boat equipped with the outboard propulsion system 1000 through the water.

[0073] The first section 1100 is covered at least in part by a number of removable panels 1300. One of the removable panels 1300 is a service hatch 1310. The service hatch 1310 is movable between an open position (shown in Figure 2) and a closed position (shown in Figure 3). In use, the service hatch 1310 provides access to the first section 1100 when it is in its open position. In use, the service hatch 1310 prevents access to the first section 1100 when it is in its closed position. Furthermore, the service hatch 1310 is also positioned to provide access to the first section 1100 from inside a boat (not shown) to which the outboard propulsion system 1000 is mounted when the service hatch 1310 is in its open position.

[0074] More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the service hatch 1310 comprises a front hatch 1311 and a rear hatch 1315. The front hatch 1311 is attached to at least one removable panel 1302 via at least one front hinge (not shown). The front hinge is configured to move the front hatch 1311 from a closed position to an open position by rotating the front hatch 1311 toward the boat around an axis substantially parallel to the boat's stern during use. The rear hatch 1315 is also attached to at least one removable panel 1302 via a rear hinge (not shown). The rear hinge is configured to move the rear hatch 1315 from a closed position to an open position by rotating the rear hatch 1315 toward the boat around an axis substantially parallel to the boat's stern during use. In most cases, the stern of a boat is substantially horizontal. As such, the axes of rotation of the front hinge and / or rear hinge may be substantially horizontal. At least one of the front hatch 1311 and the rear hatch 1315 is supported between two removable panels 1302, such as a removable side panel 1301, when the hatches 1311 and 1315 are in their closed position. Figure 2 shows the front hatch 1311 and the rear hatch 1315 in their open position.

[0075] At least one of the multiple removable panels 1300 may be provided with an aperture 1318. The aperture 1318 is configured to receive at least two of the following: fuel supply lines and fuel return lines, battery connection wires, and helm control unit connection wires.

[0076] Figure 3 shows the port side of a plurality of removable panels 1300 for covering at least a portion of an outboard propulsion system according to several embodiments of the present invention. A service hatch 1310 is connected to at least one removable panel 1302. At least one removable panel 1302 is a side panel 1301. The removable side panel 1301 may be configured to be directly attached to a second portion 1200 of the outboard propulsion system 1000. In practice, a plurality of removable panels 1302 may be configured to be directly attached to a second portion 1200 of the outboard propulsion system 1000. At least one removable panel 1302 is provided with at least one fastener 1303. Each fastener 1303 is configured to attach panel 1302 to at least one other panel 1301, 1302 and to a first or second portion of the outboard propulsion system 1000.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a portion of an outboard propulsion system 1000 according to several embodiments of the present invention, the first portion 1100 comprising a turbocharger 1110 and an air filter 1120 connected via a non-linear pipe 1130. The non-linear pipe 1130 is configured to carry airflow from the air filter 1120 to the turbocharger 1110. In particular, the non-linear pipe 1130 is shaped to carry laminar airflow from the air filter 1120 to the turbocharger 1110. For example, the non-linear pipe 1130 includes a bend 1132 having a non-circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the non-circular cross-section of the bend 1132 is an elliptical cross-section.

[0078] The non-linear pipe 1130 has an inlet connected to the air filter 1120. The inlet may have a substantially circular cross-section. The non-linear pipe 1130 further has an outlet connected to the turbocharger 1110. The outlet has a substantially circular cross-section. The cross-section of the bend in the non-linear pipe 1130 is a variable ellipse. Therefore, the diameter of the bend 1132 varies along its length.

[0079] In some embodiments, the non-linear pipe 1130 has a length of at least 200 mm. For example, the non-linear pipe 1130 may have a length of approximately 250 mm. In some embodiments, the inlet of the non-linear pipe has a diameter of at least 50 mm. For example, the inlet of the non-linear pipe may have a diameter of approximately 65 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet of the non-linear pipe has a diameter of at least 40 mm. For example, the outlet of the non-linear pipe may have a diameter of approximately 45 mm. Thus, the diameter of the outlet of the non-linear pipe is smaller than the diameter of the inlet of the non-linear pipe.

[0080] In some embodiments, the turbocharger 1110 is positioned below the air filter 1120. In other words, the turbocharger 1110 is vertically offset from the air filter 1120. The turbocharger 1110 is also horizontally offset from the air filter 1120. For example, the turbocharger 1110 may be positioned vertically at least 150 mm below the air filter 1120, and more preferably at least 200 mm below. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the turbocharger 1110 may be positioned horizontally offset at least 100 mm from the air filter 1120, or more preferably at least 125 mm.

[0081] When the outboard propulsion system 1000 is installed on the boat, the air filter 1120 is accessible from inside the boat via the service hatch 1310.

[0082] Figure 5 shows a cooling unit 1150 for cooling gearbox oil and fuel. The cooling unit 1150 is installed in the first section 1100 of the outboard propulsion system 1000. The cooling unit 1150 includes a cooling conduit 1151 having an inlet 1152 for receiving raw water and an outlet 1153 for discharging raw water. The cooling unit 1150 further includes an oil conduit 1154. The oil conduit is configured to transport oil to and from the gearbox 1160 (shown in Figure 6). The oil conduit 1154 has an inlet 1155 for receiving oil from the gearbox and an outlet 1156 for discharging oil to the gearbox. The oil conduit 1154 is installed, at least in part, within the cooling conduit 1151. The oil conduit 1154 is configured to transport oil directly from the gearbox to the cooling unit 1150, and then, through the cooling conduit 1151, transport the oil back directly from the cooling unit 1150 to the gearbox 1160.

[0083] The cooling unit 1150 is further equipped with a fuel conduit 1157. The fuel conduit 1157 is configured to transport fuel from the engine 1102 to the fuel tank. The fuel conduit 1157 has an inlet 1158 for receiving fuel from the engine 1102 and an outlet 1159 for discharging fuel to the fuel tank. The fuel conduit 1157 is at least partially located within the cooling conduit 1151. The fuel conduit 1157 is configured to transport fuel directly from the engine 1102 to the cooling unit 1150, and then through the cooling conduit 1151, directly from the cooling unit 1150 to the engine fuel tank.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, the oil conduit installed within the cooling conduit 1151 is located between the inlet 1152 and the fuel conduit installed within the cooling conduit 1151. In other words, the oil conduit installed within the cooling conduit 1151 is located downstream of the fuel conduit installed within the cooling conduit 1151.

[0085] When the outboard propulsion system 1000 is mounted on the boat, the cooling unit 1150 is accessible from inside the boat via a service hatch 1310. Fuel tanks, not shown in the accompanying drawings, are located remotely from the first and second parts 1100 and 1200 of the outboard propulsion system 1000. During use, fuel is drawn from the fuel tanks through a container-side fuel filter before being delivered into the first part 1100. The fuel is transported through a manifold equipped with a fuel temperature sensor. The fuel is transported through an outboard-side fuel filter before being delivered into the fuel pump via a gear pump. The fuel pump may be a high-pressure fuel pump. The gear pump may be located ahead of the (high-pressure) fuel pump. The fuel is then pressurized and injected into the engine by injectors. This process leaves a surplus of fuel that was not injected. The surplus fuel is drawn into a fuel conduit inlet 1158 and delivered into the cooling unit 1150. After passing through the cooling unit 1150, the fuel is returned to the fuel tank via the outlet 1159.

[0086] Figure 6 shows an outboard propulsion system 1000 according to several embodiments of the present invention, the first part 1100 comprising an oil reservoir 1180. The oil reservoir 1180 is in fluid communication with a second part 1200 of the outboard propulsion system 1000 via an oil transfer pipe 1182. The oil transfer pipe 1182 is configured to transport oil from the second part 1200 to the oil reservoir 1180. The outboard propulsion system 1000 further comprises an oil filling and suction pipe 1184. The oil filling and suction pipe 1184 is configured to transport oil into the second part 1200 and to transport oil out of the second part 1200.

[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the oil filling and suction 1184 is equipped with a quick connector coupling (not shown in the accompanying drawings). The quick connector coupling may be directly and permanently connected to the oil filling and suction tube 1184. Furthermore, the first portion 1100 may also be equipped with a bracket 1188 configured to receive the quick connector coupling. The bracket 1188 is mounted to the oil reservoir 1180.

[0088] When the outboard propulsion system 1000 is installed on the boat, the oil reservoir 1180 is visible from inside the boat through a service hatch 1310. More specifically, the oil reservoir 1180 is equipped with a visual guide (not shown in the attached drawings). The visual guide is configured to indicate how much oil is in the oil reservoir 1180. The visual guide may be visible from inside the boat through the service hatch 1310.

[0089] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the outboard propulsion system 1000 includes a second oil reservoir 1181 configured to supply oil to the gearbox 1160. However, if the second oil reservoir 1181 is present, it is clearly distinguished from the first oil reservoir 1180. The first oil reservoir 1180 and the second oil reservoir 1181 are not in fluid communication.

[0090] In view of this disclosure, various further aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Where used herein, “and / or” should be interpreted as specifically disclosing each of the two identified features or components, in the presence or absence of the other. For example, “A and / or B” should be interpreted as specifically disclosing each of (i) A, (ii) B, and (iii) A and B, as if each were individually presented herein.

[0091] Unless otherwise indicated by the context, the descriptions and definitions of features set forth above are not limited to any particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, but apply equally to all aspects and embodiments described herein. While the invention is described by reference to several embodiments, it will be further understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and that alternative embodiments can be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1000 Outboard Propulsion Systems 1100 Part 1 1102 Engine 1110 Turbocharger 1120 Air Filter 1130 Non-straight pipe 1132 curve 1150 Cooling Unit 1151 Cooling conduit 1152 Cooling conduit inlet 1153 Cooling conduit outlet 1154 Oil conduit 1155 Oil conduit inlet 1156 Oil conduit outlet 1157 Fuel conduit 1158 Fuel conduit inlet 1159 Fuel conduit outlet 1160 Gearbox 1180 Oil Reservoir 1181 Second oil reservoir 1182 Oil transfer pipe 1184 Oil filling and suction tube 1188 Bracket 1200 2nd part 1300 Removable Panel 1301 Removable side panel 1302 Removable Panel 1303 Fasteners 1310 Service Hatch 1311 Front hatch 1315 Rear hatch 1318 Aperture

Claims

1. An outboard propulsion system for attachment to a boat, The first part is equipped with the engine, An outboard propulsion system comprising: a second part having a propeller shaft attached to the first part and operably connected to the engine, The first part described above is covered at least partially by a number of removable panels, At least one removable panel is a service hatch that is movable between a closed position configured to prevent access to the first part and an open position configured to provide access to the first part. The service hatch is installed to provide access to the first portion from inside the boat when in use and in the open position. Each removable panel is primarily flat, forming an outboard propulsion system.

2. In the outboard propulsion system according to claim 1, An outboard propulsion system in which at least one removable panel is directly attached to the second portion of the outboard propulsion system.

3. In the outboard propulsion system according to claim 1 or 2, An outboard propulsion system in which at least one removable panel is directly attached to another removable panel.

4. In the outboard propulsion system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An outboard propulsion system comprising at least one removable panel, each equipped with fasteners configured to attach the panel to at least one other panel and to the first or second portion of the outboard propulsion system.

5. In the outboard propulsion system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned service hatch, A front hatch, attached to at least one of the removable panels via a front hinge, wherein the front hinge is configured to move the front hatch from a closed position to an open position by rotating the front hatch toward the boat around an axis substantially parallel to the stern of the boat during use; An outboard propulsion system comprising: a rear hatch, which is attached to at least one of the removable panels via a rear hinge, the rear hinge being configured to move the rear hatch from a closed position to an open position by rotating the rear hatch away from the boat on an axis substantially parallel to the stern of the boat during use.

6. An outboard propulsion system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, At least one removable panel, Fuel supply line and fuel return line, Battery connection wire, and, An outboard propulsion system comprising an aperture configured to receive at least two of the helm control unit connecting wires.

7. In the outboard propulsion system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The first part mentioned above is Turbocharger and, It is equipped with an air filter, The air filter is connected to the turbocharger via a non-linear pipe configured to carry the airflow from the air filter to the turbocharger. An outboard propulsion system in which the air filter is accessible from inside the boat via the service hatch during use.

8. In the outboard propulsion system according to claim 7, An outboard propulsion system in which the non-linear pipe is shaped to carry a laminar airflow from the air filter to the turbocharger.

9. In the outboard propulsion system according to claim 7 or 8, The aforementioned non-linear pipe has a bend with a non-circular cross-section, in an outboard propulsion system.

10. In the outboard propulsion system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The first part comprises the following, namely, A cooling unit for cooling gearbox oil and fuel, A cooling conduit having an inlet for receiving raw water and an outlet for discharging the raw water, An oil conduit for transporting oil for use within a gearbox, which is at least partially installed within the cooling conduit, A fuel conduit for transporting fuel for use in the engine, which is at least partially installed within the cooling conduit, The oil conduit installed within the cooling conduit is equipped with a cooling unit located between the inlet and the fuel conduit installed within the cooling conduit. An outboard propulsion system in which the cooling unit is accessible from inside the boat via the service hatch during use.

11. In the outboard propulsion system according to claim 10, An outboard propulsion system in which the oil conduit is configured to transport oil directly from the gearbox to the cooling conduit, and then back to the gearbox through the cooling conduit.

12. In the outboard propulsion system according to claim 10 or 11, An outboard propulsion system in which the fuel conduit is configured to transport fuel directly from the engine to the cooling conduit, through the cooling conduit, and directly from the cooling conduit to the fuel tank.

13. In the outboard propulsion system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The first part further comprises the following, namely, An oil reservoir that is in fluid communication with the second part via an oil transfer pipe configured to carry oil between the second part and the second part, It further includes an oil reservoir with a visual guide configured to show how much oil is inside, An outboard propulsion system in which the oil reservoir is accessible from inside the boat via the service hatch during use.

14. In the outboard propulsion system according to claim 13, An outboard propulsion system in which the visual guide is visible from inside the boat through the service hatch during use.

15. An outboard propulsion system according to claim 13 or 14, An outboard propulsion system further comprising an oil filling and suction tube configured to carry oil into and / or out of the second part, wherein the oil filling and suction tube has an opening that is accessible from inside the boat through the service hatch during use.

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