Outboard motor comprising air intake system

Abstract

An outboard motor (10) comprising an internal combustion engine and an air intake system (24) for conducting air to said engine. The air intake system (24) comprises a water mitigation box (38) having an inlet, a plurality of vanes (40), a collector tray (42), at least one air outlet (29) and at least one water outlet (27) The vanes (40) are configured for separating water from a mixture of water and air from the inlet and conduct water separated from said mixture by the vanes (40) to the collector tray (42). The air outlet (27) is con- figured for leading the air to the internal combustion engine. The outboard motor comprises at least one venturi pump (28) connected to the collector tray (42) for pumping water from the collector tray (42) to said water outlet (27). Said venturi pump (28) is driven by pressurised air from a turbo and / or compressor (30) of the outboard motor.

Description

[0001] OUTBOARD MOTOR COMPRISING AIR INTAKE SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an outboard motor comprising an air intake system and an internal combustion engine. Outboard motors are self- contained propulsion and steering devices for watercrafts, such as boats, and are arranged to be fastened to the transom of a boat. One type of such watercrafts is boats that are designed to plane during operation, wherein the propeller shaft is arranged substantially horizontally and below a hull of the watercraft during operation. This type of outboard motors have an internal combustion engine. Such engines are generally driven by diesel or petrol or other combustible fuels.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Outboard motors are common for propulsion of watercrafts, such as boats. They have a powerhead with an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, a midsection and a lower unit with a propeller shaft for driving a propeller connected to the propeller shaft. A power transfer arrangement is arranged for transferring output power from the engine to the propeller shaft. Outboard motors of this type have an air intake system to provide air to the internal combustion engine.

[0006] A plurality of outboard motors and air intake systems for the internal combustion engine of the outboard motor is disclosed in the prior art. A common problem for such air intake systems is to reduce or remove the amount of water in the air before it is conducted to the engine. Even though many different systems for this are known, it is desirable to further improve outboard motors and air intake systems when it comes to removing water from the air before it is conducted to the engine.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an air intake system for an outboard motor which efficiently and reliably reduces the amount of water in the air to be conducted to an internal combustion engine (ICE) of the outboard motor.

[0009] The present invention is related to an outboard motor comprising an internal combustion engine, at least one turbo and / or compressor and an air intake system for conducting air to said engine via said turbo and / or compressor, wherein the air intake system comprises a water mitigation box having an inlet, a plurality of vanes, a collector tray, at least one air outlet and at least one water outlet, wherein the vanes are configured for separating water from a mixture of water and air from the inlet and conduct water separated from said mixture to the collector tray, and wherein the air outlet is configured for leading the air to said turbo and / or compressor, characterised in that the outboard motor comprises at least one venturi pump connected to the collector tray for pumping water from the collector tray to said water outlet, wherein said venturi pump is driven by pressurised air from said turbo and / or compressor. Hence, the water is actively pumped out from the collector tray in an efficient manner by means of a portion of the air from the air intake system to provide an efficient air intake system and water separation from the intake air. Hence, the one or more venturi pumps is / are driven by a portion of the intake air pressurised by the at least one turbo and / or compressor, wherein the remaining portion of the intake air pressurised by the at least one turbo and / or compressor is conducted to the ICE for combusting fuel. The turbo(s) and / or compressor(s) can be driven by the ICE in a conventional manner, wherein the turbo(s) can be driven by exhaust gas from the ICE and the compressor(s) can be driven mechanically by the ICE or by an electric motor charged by the ICE. Since, the water is removed from the collector tray by a venturi suction action, there is also a cleaning effect of the collector tray and conduits leading to the water outlet.

[0010] The venturi pump is driven by intake air pressurised by one or more turbos or one or more compressors connected to the ICE. Hence, the venturi pumps can be driven in an efficient manner, such as by the ICE. The ICE can be a diesel engine or petrol engine. The venturi pump is driven by air and not exhaust gases. The air is optionally cooled, such as before the turbo or compressor and before the venturi pump. The collector tray can comprise a first water outlet, a second water outlet, wherein a first venturi pump is connected to the first water outlet and a second venturi pump is connected to the second water outlet. The air intake system can comprise a plurality of outlets actively connected to venturi pumps for pumping out the water. For example, the outlets are arranged at opposite sides of the collector tray and optionally also on opposite sides of the water mitigation box, so that water is efficiently removed from the collector tray regardless of any inclination of the outboard motor to the sides. The first venturi pump can be similar to the second venturi pump, wherein both the first and second venturi pumps are driven by intake air from the turbo(s) and / or compressor(s).

[0011] The water mitigation box can comprise a mesh screen arranged at the inlet, wherein the mesh screen is arranged for reducing the size of water droplets in the mixture of water and air. Thus, water is reduced in an efficient manner. The mesh screen can arranged with a first portion and a second portion arranged at an obtuse angle to the first portion for directing the mixture of water and air towards the vanes in a favourable manner.

[0012] The water mitigation box can comprise a bottom having at least one drain for draining off water separated from the mixture of water and air before said mixture reaches the vanes and collected at the bottom of the water mitigation box outside of the collector. The drain or drains can be operated by gravity. Hence, water collected at the bottom of the water mitigation box, such as water separated by the mesh screen, can be drained by gravity. For example, the water mitigation box comprises two drains, one at each side thereof for efficient draining regardless of sideways inclination of the outboard motor. The drain or drains can be arranged between the mesh screen and the vanes.

[0013] The water mitigation box can comprise a cover forming an overswell mitigator arranged between the air outlet and an inlet to the collector tray to prevent water collected in the collector from being sucked into the engine with the air. The water mitigation box can comprise a first air outlet to the combustion engine and a second air outlet to a fan of the outboard motor, so that air, after separation of water from the mixture of water and air by the vanes, is conducted to the engine and to the fan. For example, the water mitigation box comprises a divider to divide the flow of air after the vanes into a first flow to the engine and a second flow to the fan. The first air outlet can conduct air to the engine for combustion of the fuel, wherein the second air outlet can conduct air to the fan, e.g. for cooling of the engine.

[0014] The outboard motor can comprise a cowling having at least one inlet port connected to a ll-lock having a curved conduit with a drain to separate water from the mixture of water and air introduced through the inlet port. The ll-lock can be connected to the water mitigation box. Hence, some water has already been separated from the incoming airflow before reaching the water mitigation box.

[0015] The vanes can be placed inside the water mitigation box between the mesh screen and the air outlet(s). For example, at least ten vanes can be arranged in the water mitigation box. The vanes are sometimes called louvers. The vanes can be arranged in a standing position, e.g. in parallel to each other. The vanes are arranged with a profile and are arranged with gaps between the vanes to form passages for the air and water traps for the water, wherein the incoming air passes between the vanes and water is separated from the air by the water traps and then the water is conducted to the collector tray mainly by gravity.

[0016] The outboard motor of the present invention is used for a watercraft, such as a boat, comprising a hull. The watercraft can be a planing boat. The outboard motor is arranged for both propelling and steering the watercraft.

[0017] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments below, the appended drawings and the dependent claims.

[0018] SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0019] Fig. 1 is a schematic and view of a part of a boat provided with an outboard motor,

[0020] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a general principle of an air intake system of the outboard motor according to one embodiment,

[0021] Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an arrangement of the air intake system more in detail,

[0022] Fig. 4 is a schematic section view of a cowling and a ll-lock of the air intake system according to one embodiment,

[0023] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a part of the air intake system according to one embodiment, illustrating, partly in section, a water mitigation box, a drain and a water outlet connected to a pump driven by the engine,

[0024] Fig. 6 is a schematic section view of the water mitigation box, the drain and the water outlet, illustrating a general principle separation of water from the air,

[0025] Fig. 7 is a schematic exploded view of the water mitigation box according to one embodiment, illustrating a mesh screen, a set of water separating vanes and a collector tray of the water mitigation box,

[0026] Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the mesh screen according to one embodiment,

[0027] Fig. 9 is a schematic top view of the water mitigation box according to one embodiment, illustrating the vanes arranged inside the water mitigation box and an air outlet to a fan of the outboard motor and an air outlet to the engine,

[0028] Fig. 10 is a schematic view of one vane according to one embodiment, illustrating a profile thereof, and

[0029] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a bottom of the water mitigation box illustrating the collector tray connected to first and second water outlets connected to first and second pumps, and illustrating first and second drains in the water mitigation box.

[0030] THE INVENTION

[0031] With reference to Fig. 1 an outboard motor 10 for a watercraft, such as a boat 11 , is illustrated according to one embodiment of the invention. The outboard motor 10 is a self-contained marine propulsion and steering device for propulsion and steering of the watercraft. Such watercrafts comprise a hull 12 and a transom 13. The outboard motor 10 can be used for different types of watercrafts, wherein the hull 12 is below or partly below a waterline 14 or generally level with the waterline 14. For example, the watercraft is arranged to plane during operation at higher speed, wherein the hull 12 is arranged with a planing hull form.

[0032] The outboard motor 10 comprises a powerhead 15, a midsection 16 and a lower unit 17. The powerhead 15 includes an internal combustion engine, ICE, and an engine housing, such as a cowling 18. The lower unit 17 includes at least one propeller. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower unit 17 comprises a first propeller 19a and a second propeller 19b. Alternatively, the outboard motor 10 comprises a single propeller. For example, the lower unit 17 also comprises a skeg 20 and a torpedo shaped part 21. The midsection 16 connects the powerhead 15 and the lower unit 17. The lower unit 17 is arranged below the hull 12 during normal operation of the outboard motor 10 for propelling the boat 11 . The outboard motor 10 is connected to the transom 13 by means of a mounting bracket 22. Optionally, the mounting bracket 22 comprises a trim / tilt system, such as a hydraulic or electric trim / tilt system. The outboard motor 10 comprises a steering axis 23, such as a vertical steering axis (depending on trim). The powerhead 15, the midsection 16 and the lower unit 17 are pivotable around the steering axis 23. The entire outboard motor 10, except for the mounting bracket 22, is turned around the steering axis 23 for steering the watercraft. For example, the power head, the midsection and the lower unit are arranged in fixed positions in relation to each other and are turned as one unit around the steering axis 23. The out- board motor 10 comprises the ICE, such as a diesel engine or a petrol engine or an engine using other types of combustible fuel including ethanol and similar.

[0033] The outboard motor 10 comprises an air intake system 24 to provide air to the ICE. With reference to Fig. 2 a schematic arrangement of the air intake system 24 is illustrated according to one embodiment. The air intake system 24 comprises an inlet 25 for air from outside of the outboard motor, which generally is a mixture of water and air, particularly during driving conditions at sea. For example, the inlet 25 is for taking in air from outside of the outboard motor. The air intake system 24 takes in the mixture of water and air and separates the water from the air, which will be described more in detail below. Water separated from the air in the air intake system 24 is conducted out through a drain 26. In addition, water separated from the air in the air intake system 24 is conducted out through an outlet 27 by means of a pump 28. Air from the air intake system 24 is conducted through one or more air outlets 29 to the ICE. The outboard motor 10 comprises one or more turbos or one or more compressors 30. Generally, the outboard motor also comprises a cooler 31 , such as an intercooler, for cooling air from the tur- bo(s) or compressor(s) or before the turbo(s) or compressor(s). Pressurised air from the turbo(s) or compressor(s) 30 and optionally cooled by the cooler 31 is conducted to the ICE, e.g. through a conduit 32. Pressurised air from the turbo(s) or compressor(s) 30 and optionally cooled by the cooler 31 is also conducted to the pump 28 by a conduit 33 for driving the pump 28 and thereby pump water out from the air intake system 24 and from the outboard motor 10 to the outlet 27. For example, the turbo(s) or compressor(s) 30 are driven by the ICE. Hence, the pump 28 is driven by the ICE through the tur- bo(s) or compressor(s) 30. Hence, a portion of the pressurised air from the turbo or compressor 30 is conducted to the pump 28, wherein another portion of the pressurised air from the turbo or compressor 20, such as the remaining portion of the pressurised air from the turbo or compressor 30, is conducted to the ICE for combustion of fuel. Thus, the pump 28 is driven by intake air pressurised by the turbo or the compressor 30. For example, the pressurised air is conducted directly from the turbo or compressor 30 to the pump 28 for driving of the pump 28. The pressurised air driving the pump 28 is not exhaust gases.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 3, the arrangement of the air intake system 24 is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment. The air intake system 24 comprises at least one air intake port 34, e.g. arranged in the cowling 18. The air intake port 34 is arranged for introducing the mixture of water and air into the air intake system 24. The air intake port 34 is connected to a ll-lock 35 for separating water from the mixture of water and air introduced through the air intake port 34. The ll-lock 35 comprises a water outlet 36 and a conduit 37 for leading the remaining water and air mixture to a water mitigation box 38. The water mitigation box 38 comprises a mesh screen 39 for dividing water droplets and separating water from the air and conduit said separated water to the drain 26. The water mitigation box 38 comprises a set of water separating vanes 40 for further separation of water from the incoming mixture of water and air. Hence, air and water that has passed the mesh screen 39 is conducted to the vanes 40 for further separation of water from the mixture. The water mitigation box 38 also comprises an overswell mitigator 41 to prevent water separated from the mixture by the vanes 40 to be sucked into the ICE with the air from the water mitigation box 38 through the air outlet 29. Water separated from the mixture by means of the vanes 40 is collected in a collector tray 42. The water in the collector tray 42 is pumped out from the collector tray 42 and out through the outlet 27 by means of the pump 28 driven by pressurised air from the turbo(s) or compressor(s) 30. Hence, the outlet 29 is connected to the turbo or compressor 30 for conducting air from the air intake system 24 to the turbo or compressor 30. The turbo or compressor 30 is connected to the ICE and the pump 28, wherein a first portion of the air from the air intake system 24 and pressurised by the turbo or compressor 30 is conducted to the ICE for combustion of fuel, wherein a second portion of the air from the air intake system 24 and pressurised by the turbo or compressor 30 is conducted to the pump 28 for driving the pump 28. The first and second portions of air are similar but not the same. For example, the first portion of air is conducted to the ICE through the first conduit 32, wherein the second portion of the air is conducted to the pump 28 by the second conduit 33, wherein the second conduit 33 is separated from the first conduit 32. The second conduit 33 may be branched off from the first conduit 32 or vice versa.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 4, a part of the cowling 18 with the air intake port 34 and the ll-lock 35 is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment. The ll-lock 35 comprises a wall 43 arranged inside the cowling 18 after the he air intake port 34, so that incoming water and air is led towards the wall 43. For example, the wall 43 extends at least partially in a vertical direction, so that water hits the wall 43 and is led by gravity downward towards the outlet 36 while the air with less water in it continues around the wall 43 towards the water mitigation box 38. Hence, the wall 43 forms the conduit 37 in U-shape. For example, the inlet portion of the U-shaped conduit 37 extends partially downward, wherein the outlet portion thereof extend upward. The remaining water and air is conducted out from the U-lock 35 as illustrated by means of the arrow A in Fig. 4.

[0036] With reference to Figs. 5 and 6 the water mitigation box 38 and the pump 28 is illustrated schematically. After the U-lock 35, the incoming air and water is conducted to the water mitigation box 38, which is illustrated by means of the arrow B. The water mitigation box 38 comprises an inlet having the mesh screen 39. The incoming water and air passes the mesh screen 39, wherein more water is separated and collected in the bottom of the water mitigation box 38, wherein said water is conducted out from the water mitigation box 38 though the drain 26. The remaining incoming water and air is conducted through the vanes 40. The vanes 40 are illustrated schematically by a dashed rectangle in Fig. 5. More water is separated from the incoming water and air mixture by the vanes 40. The water is conducted to the collector tray 42, e.g. by gravity which is illustrated schematically by the arrows and droplets in Fig. 6. For example, the collector tray 42 is arranged at the bottom of the water mitigation box 38. The overswell mitigator 41 is arranged between the air outlet 29 and the inlet to the collector tray 42. For example, the overswell mitigator 41 is a plate extending over the inlet to the collector tray 42. Air passing through the vanes 40 is conducted to the ICE through the air outlet 29 of the water mitigation box 39. For example, the air outlet 29 is ar- ranged in a wall of the water mitigation box 39 opposite the mesh screen 39, wherein the vanes 40 are arranged between the mesh screen 39 and the air outlet 29. Water in the collector tray 42 is pumped out through the water outlet by means of the pump 28. The pump 28 is a venturi pump. Hence, the pump 28 comprises an inlet for pressurised air from the turbo(s) or compressors). The ICE is connected to the pump 28 through the conduit 33, so that pressurised air can be conducted to the pump 28 as described above. The pump 28 is connected to an outlet of the collector tray 42. For example, the pump 28 is a conventional venturi pump. Hence, water in the collector tray 42 is sucked out by the low pressure or vacuum provided by the pump 28 and led out through the water outlet 27.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 7 the water mitigation box 38 is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment. The water mitigation box 38 comprises the mesh screen 39, the set of vanes 40, the overswell mitigator 41 and the collector tray 42. In addition, the water mitigation box 38 comprises a structure 44 having a bottom and side walls. The mesh screen 39 forms a front and an inlet of the water mitigation box 38, so that air and water mixture can enter the water mitigation box 38. A rear side of the water mitigation box 38, i.e. opposite the mesh screen 39, the structure 44 is formed with an air outlet to a cylinder of the ICE and optionally also an air outlet to a fan of the ICE. The water mitigation box 38 also comprises a cover 45, such as a top cover, covering the vanes 40 and forming a lid to the structure 44. The vanes 40 are arranged inside the structure 44 between the mesh screen 39 and the air outlet(s) 29 and also between the side walls of the structure 44 and also between the bottom of the structure 44 and the cover 45. For example, the vanes 40 are arranged in a standing position.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 8 the mesh screen 39 is illustrated according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the mesh screen 39 comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are inclined in relation to each other. The first and second portions are arranged in an obtuse angle to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second portions are connected to each other through a third portion, which may formed as a straight wall. With reference to Fig. 9, a part of the water mitigation box 38 is illustrated schematically, wherein the set of vanes 40 is visible together with the mesh screen 39 and the structure 44. In Fig. 9 the overswell mitigator 41 has been removed to show a first outlet 45s and a second outlet 45b in the bottom of the structure 44 leading to the collector tray 42. As can be seen in Fig. 9, the water mitigation box 38 comprises a first drain 26a and a second drain 26b. For example, the drains 26a, 26b are arranged in the bottom of the structure 44. The drains 26a, 26b are arranged at opposite sides of the water mitigation box 38 in the bottom of the structure between the mesh screen 39 and the vanes 40. Hence, water separated from the incoming air and water mixture is conducted out through the drains 26a, 26b. Hence, the drains 26a, 26b are arranged in a front side area of the water mitigation box 38. Incoming air and water mixture is illustrated by means of the arrows C. Water is separated from the mixture by the mesh screen 39 and the water separated by the mesh screen 38 is conducted to the drains26a, 26b. The remaining air, i.e. without the water separated by the mesh screen 39, is conducted through the vanes 40 for further removal of water. The water removed from the water and air mixture entering the vanes 40 is conducted out from the structure 44 and into the collector tray 42 through the first and second water outlets 46a, 46b. The first and second water outlets 46a, 46b are arranged at the rear side of the water mitigation box 38 and the structure 44, between the vanes 40 and the air outlet 29 or air outlets 29a, 29b. For example, the first and second water outlets 46a, 46b are arranged at the sides of the structure. For example, the bottom of the structure 44 is substantially rectangular, wherein the first and second drains 26a, 26b are arranged at the front side corners, wherein the first and second water outlets 46a, 46b are arranged at the rear side corners.

[0039] The water mitigation box 38 comprises a divider 47 arranged between a rear portion of the structure 44 and the set of vanes 40 to divide the outgoing air from the set of vanes 40 into a first airflow to the ICE, i.e. the cylinder of the ICE for combustion of the fuel, and a second airflow to a fan of the ICE, such as for cooling thereof. The first airflow is conducted to the ICE via the turbo or compressor as described above, wherein a portion of the air is conducted from the turbo or compressor to the pump 28 for driving thereof. Hence, the water mitigation box 38 comprises a first air outlet 29a and a second air outlet 29b separated by the divider 47. The first air outlet 29a is arranged for conducting air to the ICE for combustion of the fuel and for driving the pump 28, which is illustrated by the arrow D, wherein the second air outlet 29b is arranged for conducting air to the fan, which is illustrated by the arrow E. Alternatively, a portion of the air conducted to the fan may be conducted to a compressor for driving the pump 28.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 10 a vane 40 is illustrated schematically to show a profile thereof. For example, a plurality or all vanes 40 are arranged in the same way. The general direction of the flow through the vanes 40 is illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 10. Each vane 40 comprises a slanted first portion 48 and a slanted second portion 49 connected through a third portion 50, which may also be slanted. For example, the first and third portions 48, 50 are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. For example, the slanted second portion 49 is arranged in parallel to the slanted first portion 48.

[0041] For example, one end of the slanted first portion 48 is connected to one end of the third portion, wherein one end of the slanted second portion 49 is connected to the opposite end of the third portion 50. For example, the first, second and third portions form a corrugated pattern, such as a waveform pattern, or zig-zag pattern. Hence, each vane 40 is formed with outer crests and inner grooves, such as at least two outer crests and at least two inner grooves. Each vane 40 also comprises first, second and third water traps 51-53, each water trap 51-53 in the form of a curved or U-shaped portion. For example, the first and third water traps 51 , 53 are arranged on one side of the vane 40, wherein the second water trap 52 is arranged on the other side of the vane 40, between the first and second water traps 51 , 53. Optionally, the first water trap 51 projects from the connection between the first and third portions 48, 50, wherein the second water trap 52 projects from the connection between the second slanted portion 49 and the third portion 50. Optionally the third water trap 53 projects from and end or vicinity of the end of the second slanted portion 49 opposite the end that is connected to the third portion 50. For example, the ends of the first, second and third por- tions 48-50 form the outer crests and inner grooves of the vane 40. The water traps 51 -53 projects like J-hooks from the first, second and third portions 48-50. For example, the first and third water traps 51 , 53 projects in the same direction, wherein the second water trap 52 projects in a different direction. The water traps 51-53 have free end portions. For example, the free end portions of the first and third water traps 51 , 52 extend substantially in parallel to the first slanted portion 48 and the second slanted portion 49, wherein the free end portion of the second water trap 52 extend substantially in parallel to the third portion 50. For example, water traps 51 -53 are arranged at the outer crests of the vane 40 and optionally at one end thereof, such as the distal end, i.e. downstream end closest to the air outlet.

[0042] Each vane 40 optionally also comprises one or more ribs 54 to increase turbulence of the air flow passing them. For example, each vane 40 comprises at least two ribs 54 or at least four ribs 54, such as one rib 54 before a bottom of each of the inner grooves and one rib 54 after the bottom of each of the inner grooves.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 11 the bottom of the water mitigation box 38 is illustrated schematically. The collector tray 42 comprises a first water outlet 55a and a second water outlet 55b, e.g. arranged at opposite sides of the collector tray 42. For example, the collector tray 42 is elongated, wherein the first water outlet 55a is arranged in a first end of the collector tray 42 and the second water outlet 55b is arranged in an opposite second end of the collector tray 42. The first water outlet 55a is connected to a first pump 28a, wherein the second water outlet 55b is connected to a second pump 28 for pumping out water from the collector tray 42. The first and second pumps 28a, 28b are connected to the conduit 33 for pressurised air through first and second conduits 33a, 33b, so that the pressurised air creates vacuum in the first and second water outlets 55a, 55b of the collector tray 42 and thereby brings the water along with the flow of pressurised air out from the air intake system through first and second water outlets 27a, 27b thereof. In Fig. 11 also the first and second drains 26a, 26b are illustrated. Hence, the first and second pumps 28 are first and second venturi pumps driven by the turbo or compressor 30 as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An outboard motor (10) comprising an internal combustion engine (ICE), at least one turbo and / or compressor (30) and an air intake system (24) for conducting air to said engine via said turbo and / or compressor (30), wherein the air intake system (24) comprises a water mitigation box (38) having an inlet, a plurality of vanes (40), a collector tray (42), at least one air outlet (29) and at least one water outlet (27), wherein the vanes (40) are configured for separating water from a mixture of water and air from the inlet and conduct water separated from said mixture by the vanes (40) to the collector tray (42), and wherein the air outlet (29) is configured for leading the air to said turbo and / or compressor (30), c h a r a c t e ri s e d in that the outboard motor comprises at least one venturi pump (28) connected to the collector tray (42) for pumping water from the collector tray (42) to said water outlet (27), wherein said venturi pump (28) is driven by pressurised air from said turbo and / or compressor (30).

2. The outboard motor according to claim 1 , wherein the collector tray (42) comprises a first water outlet (55a), a second water outlet (55b), and the outboard motor comprises a first venturi pump (28a) and a second venturi pump (28b), wherein the first venturi pump (28a) is connected to the first water outlet (55a) and the second venturi pump (28b) is connected to the second water outlet (55b).

3. The outboard motor according to claim 2, wherein the first water outlet (55a) is arranged in a first side of the collector tray (42) and the second water outlet (55b) is arranged in an opposite second side of the collector tray (42).

4. The outboard motor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water mitigation box (38) comprises a mesh screen (39) arranged at the inlet, wherein the mesh screen (39) is arranged for reducing the size of water droplets in the mixture of water and air.

5. The outboard motor according to claim 4, wherein the mesh screen (38) is arranged with a first portion and a second portion arranged at an obtuse angle to the first portion for directing the mixture of water and air towards the vanes (40).

6. The outboard motor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water mitigation box (38) comprises a bottom having at least one drain (26) for draining off water separated from the mixture of water and air before said mixture reaches the vanes (40) and collected at the bottom of the water mitigation box (38) outside of the collector (42).

7. The outboard motor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water mitigation box (38) comprises a cover (41 ) arranged between the air outlet (29) and an inlet to the collector tray (42) to prevent water collected in the collector (42) from being sucked into the engine with the air.

8. The outboard motor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water mitigation box (38) comprises a first air outlet (29a) to the combustion engine via said turbo (30) and / or compressor, and a second air outlet (29b) to a fan of the outboard motor, so that air, after separation of water from the mixture of water and air by the vanes (40), is conducted to the engine and to the fan.

9. The outboard motor according to claim 8, wherein the water mitigation box (38) comprises a divider (47) arranged between the vanes (40) and a wall of the water mitigation box (38) and also between the first air outlet (29a) to the combustion engine and the second air outlet (29b) to the fan, so that the vanes (40) are divided into a first set for providing the fan with air and a second set for providing the engine with air.

10. The outboard motor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outboard motor comprises a cowling (18) having at least one air intake port (34) connected to a curved conduit (37) with a drain outlet (36) to sepa-rate water from the mixture of water and air introduced through the air intake port (34).11 . The outboard motor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said turbo (30) and / or compressor is / are arranged for conducting a portion of the air from the outlet (29) of the air intake system (24) to the engine and another portion of the air from the air intake system (24) to the one or more venturi pumps (28).

12. The outboard motor according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a cooler (31 ) is arranged between the outlet (29) of the air intake system (24) and said turbo (30) and / or compressor.

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