WO2004085244A1

WO2004085244A1 - Outboard motor

Info

Publication number: WO2004085244A1
Application number: PCT/DK2004/000206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gunnar Bramsholm; Sven Heckermann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-25
Filing date: 2004-03-25
Publication date: 2004-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2005-09-25
Also published as: WO2004085244A8

Abstract

An outboard motor, mounted on a boat's sternpost with brackets for quick off/on mounting procedures (1) suspended (2) can be rotated on suspension tube (3).Torque provider (4) transmits the rotating movement via a flexible element (5) and toothed rims (6) to the propulsion mechanism (7). Steering handle (8) controls motor power and direction of travel. The propulsion mechanism (7) is fitted in a bearing housing (9) on the suspension tube (3). Torque provider (4), motor shield (11) and various electronics are mounted on the console (10). Instead of by means of handle (8), mounting can be carried out externally via a cordless control console (16) and linear or rotating unit (17) for angle rotation.The torque suspension is self-tensioning; the mounting unit can move freely; integrated tilt bracket; 360° rotating unit; mounting bracket with quick-lock; cordless steering as well as integrated torque provider and steering.

Description

OUTBOARD MOTOR

The invention in question concerns an outboard motor, which can be mounted on the sternpost of various boat types.

The outboard motor contains a torque provider with steering above water level, which transmits moment of force to a propulsion mechanism below water level, thereby producing the boat's propelling force.

The outboard motor can be turned and angled in various positions in relation to the boat's sternpost.

Traditional outboard motors are mounted at the top of their frame, and with a vertical, rotating shaft extending down to the bevel pinion/crown gear that connects to the output shaft onto a propeller.

This principle is inefficient, noise producing and relatively complicated, poses high demands on lubrication and maintenance, which in turn necessitates regular oil changes and increased environmental pollution.

Outboard motors are available in several lengths. Outboard motors are manually operated.

The purpose with this invention is to surmount the obstacles mentioned and present an outboard motor with improved maneuverability and functionality.

The above is possible through a propulsion system consisting of two or more plane parallel shafts including driving and driven shafts respectively, where the torque from the driven torque provider is transmitted via flexible element (s), e.g. a notched belt or a chain to the driven propulsion mechanism.

By transmitting torque from motor shaft to output shaft, e.g. by means of a belt, a relatively simple and noiseless construction is achieved with a higher efficiency, which does not require oil change or other service/maintenance procedures, thereby producing less pollution.

To achieve an optimum and constant tension of the flexible element (e.g. a belt), the motor mount is designed as mechanisms that are self-locking and self- tensioning under load.

The motor mount consists of a motor plate on which the motor is mounted.

The motor plate is mounted by means of bolts through holes in the console plate.

Each bolt is equipped with a lock washer and a loose/springy washer on each side of the console plate, whereby a locking function is achieved, as the torque from the load force result in a load impact between the motor plate and the console plate, whereby the locking washers will be pressed against the console plate. A power provider (spring) impacts the motor plate in the opposite direction of the load force, thereby creating a self-tensioning function when in an unloaded state, because the torque from the load force is neutral (zero) for which reason the motor plate will be unlocked on the console plate.

Mounts of traditional outboard motors are mounted on the sternpost in a relatively complex screwing procedure involving a rotating handle and a contact face. Angle adjustment (load angle, low water angle and transport angle) and the release mechanism are divided into three relatively complex separate units. The motor leg can rotate in the mount with a predefined leg length determined by boat type. When using traditional remote control to the turning angle with cable or actuator, via the lever mounted on the outboard motor, the controllable angle is limited by the linear deflection in relation to the turning lever. Remote control is exerted through cable for the fixed stationary control console. To fee oneself from the notion that the leg length depends on boat type, and to be able to adjust the propulsion of the unit ideally in relation to the water and thereby achieve the best efficiency, the suspension tube can be raised and lowered vertically the to desired position in the mounting bracket with a quick lock. For the same reason the propulsion mechanism can be moved free of the water. This is particularly expedient when sitting in a harbour near other boats and in frosty weather.

The mount works with a turning function as well as a raising/lowering function with a quick lock. The mount consists of a radial and an axial suspension unit, thereby allowing the suspension tube to turn and be displaced freely. The axial suspension unit can be locked in any position on the suspension tube, thereby allowing variable leg lengths to be obtained.

To facilitate angle adjustment, the load / low water / transport angle and release mechanisms are united in one relatively simple resource saving construction direct on the mounting bracket.

The mounting bracket is integrated with a tilt bracket for leg angle, low water position, transport angle and release mechanism in the same unit.

The integrated tilt bracket consists of a sliding latch with holes for angle selection mounted on a mounting lever from the mounting bracket. A sliding latch with bushing slides in a mounting fork in which a locking latch with a release unit interlocks with the holes in the sliding latch. The size and the function of the retaining force are determined by the holes in the sliding latch, thus allowing the user to use one grip only for all of the above-mentioned functions, and fewer moving parts are used whereby resources are used more economically and greater reliability is ensured. To obtain a greater freedom of mobility of the rotating angle when using remote control, a rim is mounted on the mount shaft.

90 The outboard motor can turn freely in relation to the mounting bracket by means of a rim or wheel mounted on the mount shaft which is impacted by a driven wheel, gearwheel, rack, notched belt, chain, belt or exchange connected to a linear or rotating actuator. Existing steering cables will also in this case be regarded as an actuator.

95

The mounted rim provides a free turning angle, which is dependent on the gearing and force/torque selection as compared to traditional methods with a limited turning angle.

100 To facilitate handling and reduce the time for mounting the board motor on the sternpost, the screwing procedure has been replaced by the quick-lock. The quick-lock constitutes an existing component which is integrated/built into the mounting fork. The quick-lock is self-locking with a release latch, and power transmission takes place via a torque lever, for example quick-clamps or tongs

105 for welding. By using this procedure, a very short mounting time is achieved, thereby making operation of the outboard motor easier.

To increase the user's freedom of movement during mooring, fishing and other activities, the remote control is available in cordless and portable design.

110

Manoeuvring takes place externally via a portable and cordless control console, thereby allowing the outboard motor to be manoeuvred from any position in the boat.

The system consists of a portable sender, a receiver, a driver system and

115 transducers depending on input demands to torque provider 1 and torque provider 2 respectively.

Torque provider 1 and torque provider 2 are regulated by signal transmission from the cordless control console to a receiver in the outboard motor. The receiver transmits signals to a driver, which generates the power to the

120 transducers. The transducers transform the source current to input for the torque providers.

Through portable and cordless remote control, freedom of movement is achieved on the boat while mooring, fishing and doing other activities.

125

As a very special type of design, the torque provider and the control unit have been integrated in one and the same unit so as to reduce the weight, spacing and production costs for installation and services. 130 The invention will be explained more in detail in the following where references will be made to the drawing, where:

Fig. 1 shows design type involving an electric motor and a motor mount. Components used in accordance with the invention.

135

Fig. 2 shows and an example of an alternative design type.

Fig. 3 shows a mounting unit.

140 Fig. 4 shows a tilt bracket.

Fig. 5 shows a turning unit example.

Fig. 6 shows quick-lock on a mounting bracket.

145

Fig. 7 shows the cordless steering.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a design illustrating an outboard motor for mounting on the sternpost or like positions on dinghies, sailing boats and motorboats using

150 a quick mountablβ and dismountable bracket (1), that is fixed on a rotating mount (2) on the suspension tube (3) .

The torque provider (4) here is an electric motor with power generated by one or more batteries (not shown). The electric motor (4) transmits the rotating movement via a flexible element (5) (here a notched belt) and a gearwheel (6)

155 (here belt pulleys, which simultaneously constitute desired gearing) to the propulsion mechanism (7) (here the propeller) Thereby the boat can be driven back and forth with a steering handle depending on the direction of rotation of motor (8). The design consists of a suspension tube (3), where on the part under the water, a

160 bearing house is mounted (9) on which the propeller is mounted.

On the part above the water, there is a console (10) on which the electric motor (4) and the motor shield (11) and electronics are fastened (not shown). The console (10) is fitted with a handle for speed regulation and control of the boat's direction of travel.

165 The console (10) is covered by a motor shield (11) that serves as protection for the electric motor (4) and electronics against the external environment. On the motor shield (11) is a cable socket (12) that connects to battery, display (13), ignition key (14) and various manoeuvring buttons and (not shown). Instead of a handle (8), manoeuvring can also take place externally via a cordless control

170 console (fig. 7 pos.16) with steering wheel, joystick or as a portable single hand operation (see fig. 7 pos.16) as well as linear or rotation device (see fig. 5 pos.17) for angle rotation. A sender (fig. 7 pos.36) and a receiver (fig. 7 pos.37) have been mounted in control console/single hand control unit respectively (fig. 7 pos.16) and the outboard motor.

175

The torque provider mount consists of a torque provision plate (18), on which the electric motor (4) is mounted. The torque provision plate (18) is mounted using bolts (19) through holes in the console plate (10). For every bolt (19) sits a locking washer (20) and a loose/springy washer (21) on every side of the console

180 plate respectively (10). A locking feature is achieved by means of the torque from the load force in that allows the locking washers (20) to press against the console plate (10).

A torque provider (22) (here a spring) impacts the torque provision plate (18) in the opposite direction of the load force, thereby providing a self tensioning

185 function when in an unloaded state, because the torque from the load force is neutral (zero) wherefore the torque provision plate (18) will remain unlocked on the console plate (10).

The design in fig.2 illustrates alternatives with examples of design types where:

190

A) and B) the torque provider (4) transmits torque via a flexible element (5) through the vertical suspension tube (3), which functions both as a bearing and protective element to the driven propulsion mechanism (7). The torque provider (4) is positioned over and under the mount (2) respectively.

195

C) and D) The torque provider (4) conveys torque via a flexible element (5) through two vertical pipes (23), which function both as bearing, hydrodynamic and protective element to a rim on the outside of the driven propulsion mechanism (7). The torque provider (4) is depicted over and under the mount (2) 200 and the suspension tube respectively (3).

E) and F) The torque provider conveys (4) torque via a flexible element (5) through two angled pipes (23), which function as bearing, hydrodynamic and protective element for the driven propulsion mechanism (7). The torque provider 205 (4) is shown over and under the mount (2) and the suspension tube (3) respectively.

G) The torque provider (4) conveys torque via a flexible element (5) down to the driven propulsion mechanism (7). The suspension tube (3) and the suspension (2) 210 are shown mounted at the top of the torque provider (4).

The design in fig. 3 shows how the suspension functions as a rotation function as well as a raise/lower function with quick-lock (24). The suspension consists of a 215 radial (25) and an axial (26) suspension in which the suspension tube (3) can be turned and displaced freely. The axial (26) suspension can be locked in any position on the suspension tube (3) by means of a quick-lock (24)

The design in fig. 4 shows the mounting bracket including integrated tilt bracket 220 for leg angle, low water position, transport angle and release unit (27) (here a lock ball), all contained in the same unit. The integrated tilt bracket consists of a sliding latch (28) with holes for angle selection mounted on the lever for (29) for mount (see fig. 1 pos.2). The sliding latch (28) with bearing bushing (34) slides in the mounting fork (30) in which the locking latch (31) with release unit (27) 225 interlocks with the wholes (28) in the sliding lock. The magnitude and function of the retaining forces is determined by the holes in the sliding latch (28).

The design in fig. 5 exemplifies how the motor can be turned freely in relation to the mounting bracket (fig. 1 pos. 1) using a mounted gear rim (32) on the 230 suspension tube (3) that is impacted by a driving gearwheel (33) connected to a force/torque provider 2 (17).

The design in fig. 6 shows the fastening to the boat's sternpost with a quick-lock (35) on the mounting fork (30).

235

The design in fig. 7 shows a block diagram of the cordless manoeuvring via a cordless control console. The manoeuvring takes place externally via a portable and cordless control console (16), through which the outboard motor can be manoeuvered from any position on the boat. The system consists of a portable 240 sender (36) built into the control console (16), a receiver (37), a driver system (38) and transducers (39) depending on the existing input requirements concerning the torque provider 1(4) and force/torque provider 2(17).

Regulation of torque provider (4) and force/torque provider 2(17) happens by 245 means of signals being transmitted from the cordless control console (16) to the receiver (37) in the outboard motor. The receiver (37) passes signals unto the driver (38), generating power to the transducers (39). Transducers (39) transform the source current to input for the torque providers (4 and 17).

250

Claims

250 PATENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Outboard motor with torque provider (4), propulsion mechanism (7), mount (2), mounting brackets (1), which can drive a boat. Characterized by the fact that the propulsion system consists in two or more plane parallel shafts with driving 255 (40) and driven shafts (41), where the torque from the driving torque is being conveyed via a flexible element (s) (5) e.g. notched belt or chain to the driven propulsion mechanism (7).

260 2. Outboard motor according to requirement 1 characterized by the fact that the torque producing mount is self-tensioning and self-locking under load. The torque provision mount consists of the torque provision plate (18), whereon the torque provider (4) is mounted. The torque provider (18) is mounted by means of fastening element (19) through holes in the console plate (10). For every

265 fastening element (19) sits a locking washer (20) and a loose/springy washer (21) on each side of the console plate respectively (10). A locking function is obtained produced by torquing from the load force makes the locking washers (20) press against the console plate (10). A force provider (22) impacts the torque provision plate (18) against the

270 direction of the load force, thereby providing a self-tensioning function when in an unloaded state, because the torquing from the load force is neutral (zero) whereby the torque provision plate (18) will be unlocked on the console plate (10).

275 Use requirements: Use according to Requirement 1 and torquing with flexible torque element (s) between plane parallel shafts.

3. Outboard motor according to Requirement 1, characterized by mount of 280 onboard motor (2) functions as well as raise/lower function with lock (24). The mount consists of a radial (25) and axial (26) suspension, in which the suspension tube (3) can rotate and be displaced freely. The axial suspension can be locked in any position on the suspension tube (3)

285 Use requirements: Use according to Requirement 1 and outboard motors in general.

4. Outboard motor according to Requirement 1, characterized by the fact that the mounting bracket (1) is fitted with an integrated tilt bracket for leg angle, low

290 water adjustment, transport angle and release unit (27) in the same unit. The integrated tilt bracket is composed of a sliding latch (28) with holes for angle selection mounted on the lever (29) for mount (2). The sliding latch (28) with bearing bushing (34) slides within the mounting fork (30), in which locking latch (31) with release unit (27) interlocks with the holes in the sliding latch (28). The 295 size of the retaining force and function is determined by the holes in the sliding latch (28).

Use requirements: Use according to Requirement 1 and outboard motors in general. 300

5. Outboard motor according to Requirement 1, characterized by its ability to rotate freely by means of a mounted rim (32) or wheel (32) on the suspension tube (3), that is driven by a wheel (33), gearwheel (33), rack (33), notched belt 305 (33), chain (33), belt (33) or exchange (33) connected to a force/torque provider 2(17).

Use requirements: Use according to Requirement 1 and onboard motors in general.

310

6. Onboard motor according to Requirement 1 characterized by the fact that the mounting bracket (1) is secured to the boat's sternpost by means of a quick-lock (35).

315

Use requirements: Use according to Requirement 1 and outboard motors in general.

320 7. Outboard motors according to Requirement 1, characterized by the fact that operation takes place externally via a cordless and portable control console (16), with which the outboard motor can be manoeuvered in any position on the boat. The system consists of a portable sender (36), a receiver (37), a driver system (38) and transducers (39) depending on input requirements to torque provider

325 1(4) and force/torque provider 2(17).

Regulation of the torque provider 1(4) and force/torque provider 2(17) happens through signals being transmitted from the cordless control console (16) to the receiver (37) of the outboard motor. The receiver transmits (37) signals to the driver (38) that generates power to the transducers (39). The transducers (39)

330 transform the source current to the force/torque providers 2(4 and 17).

335

8. Outboard motors according to Requirement 1, characterized by the fact that torque provider and steering are built into the same house.