EP0816222B1 - Watercraft propulsion unit - Google Patents
Watercraft propulsion unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0816222B1 EP0816222B1 EP19970110587 EP97110587A EP0816222B1 EP 0816222 B1 EP0816222 B1 EP 0816222B1 EP 19970110587 EP19970110587 EP 19970110587 EP 97110587 A EP97110587 A EP 97110587A EP 0816222 B1 EP0816222 B1 EP 0816222B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- electric motor
- casing
- motor
- propulsion unit
- case
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H23/00—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements
- B63H23/22—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with non-mechanical gearing
- B63H23/24—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with non-mechanical gearing electric
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H20/00—Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drives; Arrangements thereof on vessels
- B63H20/007—Trolling propulsion units
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a watercraft propulsion unit according to the preamble of independent claim 1.
- FIG. 7 A system as shown in Fig. 7 has been commonly utilized for the afore-mentioned watercraft propulsion unit
- Numeral 81 designates the watercraft propulsion unit mounted on a watercraft, and the arrow Fr shows the running direction of the water craft.
- the watercraft propulsion unit 81 is provided with a bracket 82 mounted to the hull of the watercraft, and the bracket 82, made of a long pipe and extending vertically, is mounted, at the upper end, to the hull.
- the watercraft propulsion unit 81 is also provided with a motor drive unit 83 mounted to the lower end of the bracket 82 and located in the body of water.
- the motor drive unit 83 is comprised of a casing 85 mounted to the lower end of the bracket 82, an electric motor 86 mounted removably to the casing 85 so as to project forwardly from the casing 85, and a propeller 87 supported by the casing 85 and driven by the electric motor 86.
- the electric motor 86 has a cylindrical motor case 89 constituting its outer shell, the axis 90 of which extends longitudinally, and the motor case 89 is mounted detachably, at the rear end, to the front end of the casing 85.
- the electric motor 86 housed in the motor case 89, has a rotor 91 supported by the casing 85 and the motor case 89 for rotation about the axis 90.
- a control device 95 for electronically controlling the electric motor 86, and a power source 96, a battery for the control device 95, are provided on the hull. Also provided is a drive means 97 for electronically controlling the rotational speed of the electric motor 86 through control of the control device 95; and the electric motor 86, control device 95, power source 96, and drive means 97 are connected to each other with electric wires 98.
- the drive means 97 is housed in the casing 85. If the electric motor 86 is removed from the casing 85 so as to open the opening at the front end of the casing 85, the drive means 97 can be inserted or removed with respect to the casing 85.
- the electric motor 86 which has a special construction, can not be replaced with a general purpose type, so that molding of the watercraft propulsion unit 81 for housing the electric motor 86 as a component, is very complicated, posing a problem of a higher production cost.
- a general purpose electric motor 86 can not be incorporated in the conventional watercraft propulsion unit 81, thereby posing a problem of complicated molding.
- the electric motor 86 is housed in the casing 85 so as to cover the same so that a general purpose type motor can be utilized for the electric motor 86.
- the electric motor 86 is protruded from the casing 85, as a whole, and the casing 85 is mounted to the lower end of the bracket 82, so that the electric motor 86 is protruded forwardly from the bracket 82, as a whole.
- the fishing pole may interfere with the electric motor 86, thereby raising a problem of the electric motor 86 hindering manipulation of the fishing pole.
- the drive means 97 when the drive means 97 is to be removed from the casing 85 in case of replacement with a new one, or for maintenance or inspection, it is necessary that the electric motor 86 is first removed from the casing 85 beforehand, and accordingly, the opening at the front end of the casing 85 is opened.
- an electrical equipment case for removably housing the drive means 97 is provided in addition to the casing 85 so as to enable maintenance or inspection of the drive means 97 regardless of the electric motor 86 being attached or detached with respect to the casing 85.
- US-A-3,954,082 discloses an under water propulsion unit comprising an electric motor provided with a motor case and a water impervious housing encapsulating said motor case, wherein said water impervious housing contains a body portion to incorporate said electric motor and an end cap portion to lock said housing. Therefore, through the compact structure of said under water propulsion unit it is necessary to disassemble the entire unit for maintenance or inspection work of said electric motor through which complications and difficulties in this work are increased.
- a watercraft propulsion unit as mentioned above in that said motor drive unit comprises an electrical equipment case mounted to said casing for accommodating drive means controlling the rotational speed of said electric motor.
- the casing is provided with an opening openable and closable by a cover.
- said opening and said cover are provided at a front end of said motor drive unit opposite to said propeller.
- said electric motor comprises a rotor housed in said motor case and supported by said motor case for rotation, an commutator rotatable with said rotor, and a brush mounted on said motor case for slidably engaging said commutator, said motor case being joined to said casing in the vicinity of said brush.
- said commutator within the casing such that it faces to the front or to the rear as seen in the normal driving direction.
- the watercraft propulsion unit having a bracket 6 mounted to a hull 2 and a motor drive unit 8 mounted to the lower end of said bracket 6 and located in the body of water 7, wherein said motor drive unit 8 comprising a casing 16 forming an outer shell thereof and mounted to said bracket 6. an electric motor 23 housed in said casing 16 and mounted thereto, and a propeller 24 supported by said casing 16 and driven by said electric motor 23.
- a further preferred embodiment is given by a watercraft propulsion unit, wherein said casing 16 is formed with an opening 19 and provided with a cover 20 for opening and closing said opening 19 so that said electric motor 23 can be inserted removably into said casing 16 through said opening 19, and said electric motor 23 is mounted removably to said casing 16.
- a watercraft propulsion unit wherein on the hull 2 is provided a control device 47 for controlling said electric motor 23, through said bracket 6 are provided electric wires 54 for connecting said electric motor 23 and control device 47, said wires 54 being cut at the middle portion thereof, and in said casing 16 are provided couplers 64 for disconnectably connecting said cut ends of said wires 54, said couplers 64 being located within said opening 19 when viewed from the front of said opening 19.
- said electric motor 23 comprises a motor case 27 constituting its outer shell, a rotor 32 housed in said motor case 27 and supported by said motor case 27 for rotation, an commutator 35 rotatable with said rotor 32, and a brush 36 mounted on said motor case 27 for slidably engaging said commutator 35, said motor case 27being joined to said casing 16 in the vicinity of said brush 36.
- Fig. 1 through Fig. 5 show a first embodiment of this invention.
- numeral 1 designates a watercraft
- the arrow Fr shows the running direction of the watercraft 1.
- the watercraft 1 is provided with a hull 2 and a watercraft propulsion unit 4 for propelling the hull 2 forwardly or backwardly on the surface of water 3.
- the water propulsion unit 4 is comprised of a bracket 6 mounted to the rear end of the hull 2, a motor drive unit 8 mounted to the lower end of the bracket 6 and located in the body of water 7, and a steering handle 9 mounted to the upper end of the bracket 6.
- the bracket 6 is provided with a bracket body 11 mounted detachably to the rear end of the hull 2, and a mounting pipe 12 supported by the bracket body 11.
- the mounting pipe 12 extends vertically, and supported at the lengthwise middle portion by the bracket body 11 for rotation about its axis.
- the motor drive unit 8 is mounted to the lower end of the mounting pipe 12, and the steering handle 9 to the upper end of the same.
- the steering handle 9 has a box-like handle body 13 fixed to the upper end of the mounting pipe 12, and a handle grip 14 protruding forwardly from the handle body 13; and the handle grip 14 is supported by the handle body 13 for rotation about the axis extending longitudinally.
- the motor drive unit 8 is provided with a casing 16 constituting its outer shell. Since the casing 16 is located in the body of water 7, it is made of corrosion resisting alloy such as aluminum alloy.
- the casing 16 has a cylindrical casing body 17 mounted to the lower end of the mounting pipe 12 of the bracket 6, and the axis 18 of the casing body 17 extends longitudinally.
- the casing body 17 has, at the front end, an opening 19 for providing communication between the inside and outside of the casing body 17, and the opening 19, located on the axis 18, has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front.
- a semi-spherical cover 20 for openably closing the opening 19 is provided, and fastened detachably to the front end of the casing body 17 with a pair of right and left fist fasteners 21, while at the rear of the casing body 17 and on the inside circumferential surface of the same is formed integrally a partition 22 for separating the inside of the casing body 17 from the outside.
- the motor drive unit 8 is provided with an electric motor 23 housed in the casing 16 and mounted removably to the same, a propeller 24 supported by the casing 16 at the rear and driven by the electric motor 23, and a planetary gear type reduction gear 25 supported by the casing 16 and interposed between the electric motor 23 and the propeller 24 for transmitting power of the electric motor 23 to the propeller 24.
- the electric motor 23, of a general purpose type, has a metal motor case 27 constituting its outer shell.
- the motor case 27 is comprised of a cylindrical motor case body 28 on the axis 18, a front closing plate 29 for closing the front opening of the motor case 27, and a rear closing plate 30 for closing the rear opening of the same.
- the motor case body 28 is made of ferrous ferromagnetic material; on the inside surface of the motor case body 28 are attached magnets 31a circumferentially at regular intervals; and the motor case body 28 and magnets 31a constitute a stator 31.
- a rotor 32 is housed in the motor case 27.
- the rotor 32 is supported by the front and rear closing plates 29, 30 of the motor case 27 for rotation about the axis 18, and is comprised of an output shaft 33 supported on the axis 18 by the motor case 27, and an armature 34 fitted on the output shaft 33.
- a commutator 35 rotatable around the axis 18 with the rotor 32.
- the commutator 35 is mounted to the rear of the output shaft 33, and disposed axially in serial relation with the armature 34, while on the motor case 27 is mounted a brush 36 for slidably engaging the commutator 35.
- the electric motor 23 is inserted removably in the casing 16 through the opening 19, and fastened detachably to the casing 16 with second fasteners 39.
- the commutator 35 and the brush 36 of the electric motor 23 are located at the rear end of and inside of the motor case 27, and the rear end of the motor case, or the rear closing plate 30, is put into surface contact with the partition 22 of the casing 16, that is, the rear end portion of the motor case 27 in the vicinity of the brush 36 is joined to the casing 16.
- the second fasteners 38 is comprised of a support piece 39 formed at the front end of the motor case 27, and a bolt 40 passing through the support piece 39 and screwed into the partition plate 22 of the casing 16.
- the electric motor 23 extends on and along the axis 18, and the bolt 40 extends substantially parallel to the axis 18, both of the electric motor 23 and the bolt 40 being positioned within the opening 19 in front view of the same (ie, the front view of the watercraft propulsion unit 4 when viewed from the front).
- assembling of the motor drive unit 8, or dismantling of the unit as shown in Fig. 5, can be performed easily, as well as maintenance or inspection, for example, at the time of replacement of the electric motor 23 inside the casing 16 with a new one.
- the propeller 24 is fastened removably to the casing 16 with third fasteners 43, and the reduction gear 25 removably to the casing with fourth fasteners 44.
- control device 47 for electronically controlling the electric motor 23.
- the control device 47 is provided with a control unit 48, a grip angle sensor 49 for detecting the rotation angle of the handle grip 14, and a rotation switching device 50 for switching the direction of rotation of the electric motor 23 to a normal or a reverse one.
- These components 48, 49, 50 are electrically connected to each other.
- Numeral 55 designates a motor current sensor.
- a communication hole 56 for providing communication between inside spaces of the mounting pipe 12 and the casing 16.
- the motor drive unit 8 has an electrical equipment case 57 mounted to the lower end of the mounting pipe 12 of the bracket 6, and the drive means 53 is housed detachably in the electrical equipment casing 57.
- the electrical equipment case 57 is comprised of an electrical equipment case body 58 formed integrally with the upper wall of the casing body 17 of the casing 16, and opening 58a for opening the inside of the electrical equipment body 58 reawardly, a cover 59 for openably closing the opening 58a, and fifth fasteners 60 for fastening the cover 59 detachably to the electrical equipment case 58.
- the electrical equipment case 59 houses the drive means 53, which is fastened detachably on the inside wall of the cover 59 with sixth fasteners 61.
- the electrical equipment case body 58 is formed with a communication hole 62 for providing communication between the inside spaces of the mounting pipe 12 and the electrical equipment case 57.
- one ends of the electric wires 54 on the drive means side which run down from the control device 47 through the mounting pipe 12 of the bracket 6, reach the inside of the electrical equipment case 57, where they are connected disconnectably to the drive means 53.
- the drive means 53 can be taken out from inside the electrical equipment case 57 in one body with the cover 59 and the sixth fasteners 61.
- the electric wires 54 have a little slack, which allows taking in and out of the drive means 53.
- the electric wires 54 are cut at the lengthwise middle portion, and a couplers 64 are provided for coupling the cut ends disconnectably.
- the couplers 64 are disposed at the inside front portion of the casing 16 between the cover 20 of the casing 16 and the front end of the electric motor 23, and positioned within the opening 19 in front view.
- the electric motor 23 is located right under the mounting pipe 12.
- the electrical equipment case 57, and the drive means 53 housed therein are located rearwardly of the lower end of the mounting pipe 12 of the bracket 6 and upwardly of the casing 16 and the electric motor 23.
- the propeller 24 is rotated in association with the motor 23, so that the watercraft 1 is propelled at a desired speed forwardly or backwardly on the surface of water 3.
- the electric motor 23 is housed in the casing 16 and protected from the outside, as a whole, so that the electric motor 23 needs only to be of a type for simply driving the propeller 24, that is, there is no need for a motor case 27 etc with a special structure, and thus a general purpose type is utilized for the electric motor 23 as described above.
- the casing 16 since the electric motor 23 is covered by the casing 16 so as not to be exposed to the body of water 7, the casing 16 will prevent the electric motor 23 from directly striking against the bottom of water during running. Therefore, it is not necessary for the motor case 27 of the electric motor 23 to be thick enough to withstand the impact at the time of the collision, and thus a general purpose type is utilized for the electric motor 23.
- the electric motor 23 is covered by the casing 16 so as not to be exposed to the body of water 7, thereby preventing the motor case 27 from being corroded by the water. Therefore, it is not necessary for a motor case 27 of the electric motor 23 to be made of special corrosion resistant material or to assume a corrosion proof structure, and thus an electric motor of a general purpose type is utilized.
- the electric motor 23 can be taken out from the casing 16 through the opening 19 if only the opening 19 is opened by loosening the first fasteners 21 and removing the cover 20.
- the opening 19 is first opened by manipulating the cover 20. Then, the couplers 64, which are located inside the opening 19 as described above, can be disconnected easily through the opening 19.
- the electric motor 23 can be taken out from the casing 16 through the opening 19 without any interference with electric wires 54 connecting the electric motor 23 and the control device 47.
- the motor case 27 is joined to the casing 16 in the vicinity of the brush 36. Therefore, the heat generated between the commutator 35 and the brush 36 is transmitted smoothly to the casing 16 from the motor case 27 in the vicinity of the brush 36, and further, released efficiently into the body of water 7 from the casing 16.
- the electric motor 23 is located right under the bracket 6 together with the casing 16, and the electrical equipment case 57 rearwardly of the lower end of the bracket 6.
- the casing 16, electric motor 23, and electrical equipment case 57 are located longitudinally at substantially the same place as the bracket 6, thereby preventing large forward or rearward projection of the casing 16, electric motor 23, and electrical equipment case 57 from the bracket 6.
- the electric motor 23 is located right under the bracket 6, so that the length of the electric wires 54 which run from the control unit 47 to the electric motor 23 through the bracket 6, can be kept small, thereby effecting easy wiring.
- the motor drive unit 8 has the electrical equipment case 57 mounted to the casing 16, and the drive means 53 is housed detachably in the electric equipment case 57.
- the drive means 53 can be attached or detached whether the electric motor 23 is mounted or not, so that maintenance and inspection of the drive means 53 can be performed easily.
- the electrical equipment case 57 is located rearwardly of the lower end of the bracket 6.
- the drive means 53 is arranged so that its maintenance and inspection can be performed easily, smooth propulsion of the watercraft 1 is ensured.
- the electrical equipment case 57 is located upwardly of the casing 16, so that the casing 16 prevents the electrical equipment case 57 from striking the bottom of the water during propulsion of the watercraft 1.
- the drive means 53 which is housed in the electrical equipment case 57 and whose impact resistance is small, is protected reliably from the impact force due to the collision.
- Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment.
- the commutator 35 of the electric motor 23 is mounted to the front end of the output shaft 33, so that the commutator 35 and the brush 36 is located at the front end portion inside the motor case 27.
- the support piece 39 is formed integrally on the outer surface of the motor case 27 in the vicinity of the brush 36, and joined to the front end of the casing body 17 of the casing 16 in surface contact relation. That is, the front portion of the motor case 27 in the vicinity of the brush 36 is joined to the casing 16.
- a watercraft propulsion unit having a bracket mounted to a hull and a motor drive unit mounted to the lower end of said bracket and located in the body of water, is characterized in that said motor drive unit comprising a casing forming an outer shell thereof and mounted to said bracket, an electric motor housed in said casing and mounted thereto, and a propeller supported by said casing and driven by said electric motor.
- the electric motor needs only to be of the type for simply driving the propeller, that is, there is no need for a special construction, and thus a general purpose electric motor can be utilized.
- the casing since the electric motor is covered by the casing so as not to be exposed to the body of water, the casing will prevent the electric motor from directly striking against the bottom of water during running. Therefore, it is not necessary for the motor case of the electric motor to be thick enough to withstand the impact at the time of the collision, and thus a general purpose electric motor can be utilized.
- the electric motor is covered by the casing so as not to be exposed to the body of water, thereby preventing the motor case from being corroded by the water. Therefore, it is not necessary for a motor case of the electric motor to be made of special corrosion resistant material or to assume a corrosion proof structure, and thus a general purpose electric motor can be utilized.
- a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that said casing is formed with an opening and provided with a cover for opening and closing said opening so that said electric motor can be inserted removably into said casing through said opening, and said electric motor is mounted removably to said casing.
- the electric motor which is housed in the casing, can be taken out from the casing through the opening if only the opening is opened by removing the cover.
- the electric motor is housed in the casing, maintenance and inspection of the electric motor can be performed easily, for example, at the time of replacement of the motor with new one.
- a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that on the hull is provided with a control device for controlling said electric motor, through said bracket are provided electric wires for connecting said electric motor and a control device, said wires being cut at the middle portion thereof, and in said casing are provided couplers for disconnectably connecting said cut ends of said wires, said couplers being located within said opening when viewed from the front of said opening.
- the couplers which are located inside the opening as described above, can be disconnected easily through the opening.
- the electric motor can be taken out easily outside of the casing through the opening without interference with the wires connecting the electric motor and the control device.
- a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that said electric motor comprises a motor case constituting its outer shell, a rotor housed in said motor case and supported by said motor case for rotation, an commutator rotatable with said rotor, and a brush mounted on said motor case for slidably engaging said commutator, said motor case being joined to said casing in the vicinity of said brush.
- the motor case is joined to the casing in the vicinity of the brush.
- the heat generated between the commutator and the brush is transmitted smoothly to the casing from the motor case in the vicinity of the brush, and further, released efficiently into the body of water from the casing.
- the electric motor though housed in the casing, is cooled down effectively without hindrance by the casing, preventing a higher temperature of the electric motor.
- a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that said electric motor is located right under said bracket.
- bracket and electric motor are located longitudinally at substantially the same place, thereby preventing large forward projection of the electric motor from the bracket.
- the electric motor is located right under the bracket, so that the length of the electric wires which run from the control unit to the electric motor through the bracket can be kept small, thereby effecting easy wiring.
- a watercraft propulsion unit provided with a bracket mounted to a hull and a motor drive unit mounted to the lower end of said bracket and located in the body of water, said motor drive unit having a casing mounted to said bracket, an electric motor mounted removably to said casing, a propeller mounted to said casing and driven by said electric motor, and drive means for controlling the rotational speed of said electric motor, is characterized in that said motor drive unit is provided with an electrical equipment case mounted to said casing, and said drive means is housed detachably in said electrical equipment case.
- the drive means can be attached or detached whether the electric motor is mounted or not, so that maintenance and inspection of the drive means can be performed easily.
- a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that said electrical equipment case is located rearwardly of the lower end of said bracket and upwardly of said casing.
- the electrical equipment case is located upwardly of the casing, so that the casing prevents the electrical equipment case from striking the bottom of the water during propulsion of the watercraft.
- the drive means which is housed in the electrical equipment case and whose impact resistance is small, is protected reliably from the impact force due to the collision.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Motor Or Generator Frames (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a watercraft propulsion unit according to the preamble of
independent claim 1. - A system as shown in Fig. 7 has been commonly utilized for the afore-mentioned watercraft propulsion unit
- The system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings
- Numeral 81 designates the watercraft propulsion unit mounted on a watercraft, and the arrow Fr shows the running direction of the water craft.
- The
watercraft propulsion unit 81 is provided with abracket 82 mounted to the hull of the watercraft, and thebracket 82, made of a long pipe and extending vertically, is mounted, at the upper end, to the hull. Thewatercraft propulsion unit 81 is also provided with amotor drive unit 83 mounted to the lower end of thebracket 82 and located in the body of water. - The
motor drive unit 83 is comprised of acasing 85 mounted to the lower end of thebracket 82, anelectric motor 86 mounted removably to thecasing 85 so as to project forwardly from thecasing 85, and apropeller 87 supported by thecasing 85 and driven by theelectric motor 86. - The
electric motor 86 has acylindrical motor case 89 constituting its outer shell, theaxis 90 of which extends longitudinally, and themotor case 89 is mounted detachably, at the rear end, to the front end of thecasing 85. Theelectric motor 86, housed in themotor case 89, has arotor 91 supported by thecasing 85 and themotor case 89 for rotation about theaxis 90. Also provided are acommutator 92 rotatable around theaxis 90 with therotor 91, and abrush 93 mounted on themotor case 98 for slidably engaging thecommutator 92. - A
control device 95 for electronically controlling theelectric motor 86, and apower source 96, a battery for thecontrol device 95, are provided on the hull. Also provided is adrive means 97 for electronically controlling the rotational speed of theelectric motor 86 through control of thecontrol device 95; and theelectric motor 86,control device 95,power source 96, anddrive means 97 are connected to each other withelectric wires 98. - The drive means 97 is housed in the
casing 85. If theelectric motor 86 is removed from thecasing 85 so as to open the opening at the front end of thecasing 85, the drive means 97 can be inserted or removed with respect to thecasing 85. - When a rider operates the
control device 95, a given electric power is supplied to theelectric motor 86 through the drive means 97, so that the rotational speed of theelectric motor 86 is controlled. Then, thepropeller 87 is rotated in association with theelectric motor 86, so that the watercraft is propelled at a desired speed. - However, the foregoing conventional system has a following problem.
- First, for reasons described below, the
electric motor 86, which has a special construction, can not be replaced with a general purpose type, so that molding of thewatercraft propulsion unit 81 for housing theelectric motor 86 as a component, is very complicated, posing a problem of a higher production cost. - The first reason: the
motor case 89 of theelectric motor 86, as described above, has a special construction for mounting to thecasing 85. - The second reason: since the
electric motor 86 is exposed in the body of water, there is a possibility of theelectric motor 86 striking against the bottom of the water during propulsion of the watercraft, and the impact force is applied directly to theelectric motor 86 in case of collision, which might damage theelectric motor 86 easily. Thus the wall thickness of themotor case 89 of theelectric motor 86 is increased to provide adequate impact strength. - The third reason: the
motor case 89 of theelectric motor 86, which is exposed to water, tends to be oxidized, so that materials and structures are selected to prevent corrosion. - For reasons described above, a general purpose
electric motor 86 can not be incorporated in the conventionalwatercraft propulsion unit 81, thereby posing a problem of complicated molding. - Secondly, in view of the first problem, an idea can be suggested that the
electric motor 86 is housed in thecasing 85 so as to cover the same so that a general purpose type motor can be utilized for theelectric motor 86. - However, if the
electric motor 86 is simply covered by thecasing 85, the work of maintenance and inspection of theelectric motor 86 is hindered by thecasing 85, causing a difficulty in this work. - Further, when the
electric motor 86 is operated, an electric current flows between thecommutator 92 and thebrush 93 which are in sliding contact with each other, so that thecommutator 92 and thebrush 93 tend to generate heat. Therefore, as described above, if theelectric motor 86 is simply covered by thecasing 85, heat release into the body of water is prevented by thecasing 85, which may cause a higher temperature of theelectric motor 86. - Thirdly, the
electric motor 86 is protruded from thecasing 85, as a whole, and thecasing 85 is mounted to the lower end of thebracket 82, so that theelectric motor 86 is protruded forwardly from thebracket 82, as a whole. In this construction, however, at the time of, for example, "shell gathering" when a fisherman on thewatercraft 2 gathers, with a fishing pole, abalones or sea urchins on the bottom of the sea, the fishing pole may interfere with theelectric motor 86, thereby raising a problem of theelectric motor 86 hindering manipulation of the fishing pole. - Furthermore, when the drive means 97 is to be removed from the
casing 85 in case of replacement with a new one, or for maintenance or inspection, it is necessary that theelectric motor 86 is first removed from thecasing 85 beforehand, and accordingly, the opening at the front end of thecasing 85 is opened. - However, since the work of removing the
electric motor 86 from thecasing 85, is complicated, the work required for maintenance or inspection of the drive means 97 is also complicated. - For this reason, a method is suggested in which an electrical equipment case for removably housing the drive means 97, is provided in addition to the
casing 85 so as to enable maintenance or inspection of the drive means 97 regardless of theelectric motor 86 being attached or detached with respect to thecasing 85. - However, a mere installation of the electrical equipment case will result in an increased fluid resistance of the
motor drive unit 83 during running, which may prevent smooth propulsion of the watercraft. - US-A-3,954,082 discloses an under water propulsion unit comprising an electric motor provided with a motor case and a water impervious housing encapsulating said motor case, wherein said water impervious housing contains a body portion to incorporate said electric motor and an end cap portion to lock said housing. Therefore, through the compact structure of said under water propulsion unit it is necessary to disassemble the entire unit for maintenance or inspection work of said electric motor through which complications and difficulties in this work are increased.
- Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to improve a watercraft propulsion unit as indicated in the preamble part of the
independent claim 1 so as to be ensured enhancement of the performance of maintenance and inspection work of said watercraft propulsion unit. - According to the present invention, this objective is solved by a watercraft propulsion unit as mentioned above in that said motor drive unit comprises an electrical equipment case mounted to said casing for accommodating drive means controlling the rotational speed of said electric motor.
- According to an advantageous embodiment, the casing is provided with an opening openable and closable by a cover. In that case, it is advantageous for a further improvement of the maintenance and inspection when said opening and said cover are provided at a front end of said motor drive unit opposite to said propeller.
- In order to further enhance the cooling effects of the present invention, it is advantageous when said electric motor comprises a rotor housed in said motor case and supported by said motor case for rotation, an commutator rotatable with said rotor, and a brush mounted on said motor case for slidably engaging said commutator, said motor case being joined to said casing in the vicinity of said brush.
- In that case, it is optional to provide said commutator within the casing such that it faces to the front or to the rear as seen in the normal driving direction.
- Further advantageous embodiments are given below.
- According to another preferred embodiment, the watercraft propulsion unit having a
bracket 6 mounted to ahull 2 and amotor drive unit 8 mounted to the lower end of saidbracket 6 and located in the body ofwater 7, wherein saidmotor drive unit 8 comprising acasing 16 forming an outer shell thereof and mounted to saidbracket 6. anelectric motor 23 housed in saidcasing 16 and mounted thereto, and apropeller 24 supported by saidcasing 16 and driven by saidelectric motor 23. - A further preferred embodiment is given by a watercraft propulsion unit, wherein said
casing 16 is formed with anopening 19 and provided with acover 20 for opening and closing said opening 19 so that saidelectric motor 23 can be inserted removably into saidcasing 16 through said opening 19, and saidelectric motor 23 is mounted removably to saidcasing 16. - Moreover, a watercraft propulsion unit is possible, wherein on the
hull 2 is provided acontrol device 47 for controlling saidelectric motor 23, through saidbracket 6 are providedelectric wires 54 for connecting saidelectric motor 23 andcontrol device 47, saidwires 54 being cut at the middle portion thereof, and in saidcasing 16 are providedcouplers 64 for disconnectably connecting said cut ends of saidwires 54, saidcouplers 64 being located within said opening 19 when viewed from the front of said opening 19. - In addition, it is possible that said
electric motor 23 comprises amotor case 27 constituting its outer shell, arotor 32 housed in saidmotor case 27 and supported by saidmotor case 27 for rotation, ancommutator 35 rotatable with saidrotor 32, and abrush 36 mounted on saidmotor case 27 for slidably engaging saidcommutator 35, said motor case 27being joined to saidcasing 16 in the vicinity of saidbrush 36. - In order to further enhance the performance of said watercraft propulsion unit, it is advantageous when said
electric motor 23 is located right under saidbracket 6. - Other preferred embodiments of the present invention are laid down in further dependent claims.
- In the following, the present invention is explained in greater detail with respect to several embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a partial enlarged sectional view of a first embodiment of a watercraft propulsion unit shown in Fig. 2;
- Fig. 2 is a general diagrammatic view of the first embodiment of the watercraft propulsion unit;
- Fig. 3 is a partially broken away rear view of the first embodiment of the watercraft propulsion unit;
- Fig. 4 is a partially broken away plan view of the first embodiment of the watercraft propulsion unit;
- Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 6 is a view of a second embodiment, corresponding to Fig. 1; and
- Fig. 7 is a view of a conventional system, corresponding to Fig. 1.
-
- Fig. 1 through Fig. 5 show a first embodiment of this invention.
- In the figure,
numeral 1 designates a watercraft, and the arrow Fr shows the running direction of thewatercraft 1. - The
watercraft 1 is provided with ahull 2 and awatercraft propulsion unit 4 for propelling thehull 2 forwardly or backwardly on the surface ofwater 3. Thewater propulsion unit 4 is comprised of abracket 6 mounted to the rear end of thehull 2, amotor drive unit 8 mounted to the lower end of thebracket 6 and located in the body ofwater 7, and a steering handle 9 mounted to the upper end of thebracket 6. - In Fig. 2, the
bracket 6 is provided with abracket body 11 mounted detachably to the rear end of thehull 2, and amounting pipe 12 supported by thebracket body 11. Themounting pipe 12 extends vertically, and supported at the lengthwise middle portion by thebracket body 11 for rotation about its axis. Themotor drive unit 8 is mounted to the lower end of themounting pipe 12, and the steering handle 9 to the upper end of the same. - The steering handle 9 has a box-
like handle body 13 fixed to the upper end of themounting pipe 12, and ahandle grip 14 protruding forwardly from thehandle body 13; and thehandle grip 14 is supported by thehandle body 13 for rotation about the axis extending longitudinally. - In Fig. 1 through Fig. 5, the
motor drive unit 8 is provided with acasing 16 constituting its outer shell. Since thecasing 16 is located in the body ofwater 7, it is made of corrosion resisting alloy such as aluminum alloy. Thecasing 16 has acylindrical casing body 17 mounted to the lower end of the mountingpipe 12 of thebracket 6, and theaxis 18 of thecasing body 17 extends longitudinally. Thecasing body 17 has, at the front end, anopening 19 for providing communication between the inside and outside of thecasing body 17, and theopening 19, located on theaxis 18, has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front. Also, asemi-spherical cover 20 for openably closing theopening 19 is provided, and fastened detachably to the front end of thecasing body 17 with a pair of right and leftfist fasteners 21, while at the rear of thecasing body 17 and on the inside circumferential surface of the same is formed integrally apartition 22 for separating the inside of thecasing body 17 from the outside. - The
motor drive unit 8 is provided with anelectric motor 23 housed in thecasing 16 and mounted removably to the same, apropeller 24 supported by thecasing 16 at the rear and driven by theelectric motor 23, and a planetary geartype reduction gear 25 supported by thecasing 16 and interposed between theelectric motor 23 and thepropeller 24 for transmitting power of theelectric motor 23 to thepropeller 24. - The
electric motor 23, of a general purpose type, has ametal motor case 27 constituting its outer shell. Themotor case 27 is comprised of a cylindricalmotor case body 28 on theaxis 18, afront closing plate 29 for closing the front opening of themotor case 27, and arear closing plate 30 for closing the rear opening of the same. - The
motor case body 28 is made of ferrous ferromagnetic material; on the inside surface of themotor case body 28 are attachedmagnets 31a circumferentially at regular intervals; and themotor case body 28 andmagnets 31a constitute astator 31. - A
rotor 32 is housed in themotor case 27. Therotor 32 is supported by the front andrear closing plates motor case 27 for rotation about theaxis 18, and is comprised of anoutput shaft 33 supported on theaxis 18 by themotor case 27, and anarmature 34 fitted on theoutput shaft 33. Also provided is acommutator 35 rotatable around theaxis 18 with therotor 32. Thecommutator 35 is mounted to the rear of theoutput shaft 33, and disposed axially in serial relation with thearmature 34, while on themotor case 27 is mounted abrush 36 for slidably engaging thecommutator 35. - The
electric motor 23 is inserted removably in thecasing 16 through theopening 19, and fastened detachably to thecasing 16 withsecond fasteners 39. In this case, thecommutator 35 and thebrush 36 of theelectric motor 23 are located at the rear end of and inside of themotor case 27, and the rear end of the motor case, or therear closing plate 30, is put into surface contact with thepartition 22 of thecasing 16, that is, the rear end portion of themotor case 27 in the vicinity of thebrush 36 is joined to thecasing 16. - The
second fasteners 38 is comprised of asupport piece 39 formed at the front end of themotor case 27, and abolt 40 passing through thesupport piece 39 and screwed into thepartition plate 22 of thecasing 16. Theelectric motor 23 extends on and along theaxis 18, and thebolt 40 extends substantially parallel to theaxis 18, both of theelectric motor 23 and thebolt 40 being positioned within theopening 19 in front view of the same (ie, the front view of thewatercraft propulsion unit 4 when viewed from the front). - As a result, insertion and taking out of the
electric motor 23 with respect to thecasing 16, is performed easily through theopening 19, and mounting of theelectric motor 23 to thecasing 16, is also performed easily through theopening 19 by manipulating thebolts 40 of thesecond fasteners 38. - Thus, assembling of the
motor drive unit 8, or dismantling of the unit as shown in Fig. 5, can be performed easily, as well as maintenance or inspection, for example, at the time of replacement of theelectric motor 23 inside thecasing 16 with a new one. - The
propeller 24 is fastened removably to thecasing 16 withthird fasteners 43, and thereduction gear 25 removably to the casing withfourth fasteners 44. - Inside the
handle body 13 of the steering handle 9 on the hull is provided acontrol device 47 for electronically controlling theelectric motor 23. Thecontrol device 47 is provided with acontrol unit 48, agrip angle sensor 49 for detecting the rotation angle of thehandle grip 14, and arotation switching device 50 for switching the direction of rotation of theelectric motor 23 to a normal or a reverse one. Thesecomponents - Also, a battery for supplying power to the
control unit 48 of thecontrol device 47, or apower source 52, is provided on the hull. Also provided is a drive means 53 for electronically controlling the rotational speed of theelectric motor 23 through control of thecontrol device 47; and theelectric motor 23,control device 47,power source 52, and drive means 53 are connected to each other withelectric wires 54.Numeral 55 designates a motor current sensor. - In the upper wall of the
casing body 17 of thecasing 16 is formed acommunication hole 56 for providing communication between inside spaces of the mountingpipe 12 and thecasing 16. As a result, inside spaces of thebracket body 11 of thebracket 6, the mountingpipe 12 of thebracket 6, thehandle body 13 of the steering handle 9, and thecasing 16 of the steering handle 9, are in communication with each other, and theelectric wires 54 for connecting theelectric motor 23 and thecontrol device 47, runs through the inside space of the mountingpipe 16 of thebracket 6, and thecommunication hole 56. - The
motor drive unit 8 has anelectrical equipment case 57 mounted to the lower end of the mountingpipe 12 of thebracket 6, and the drive means 53 is housed detachably in theelectrical equipment casing 57. Theelectrical equipment case 57 is comprised of an electricalequipment case body 58 formed integrally with the upper wall of thecasing body 17 of thecasing 16, andopening 58a for opening the inside of theelectrical equipment body 58 reawardly, acover 59 for openably closing theopening 58a, andfifth fasteners 60 for fastening thecover 59 detachably to theelectrical equipment case 58. - In the
electrical equipment case 59 houses the drive means 53, which is fastened detachably on the inside wall of thecover 59 withsixth fasteners 61. The electricalequipment case body 58 is formed with acommunication hole 62 for providing communication between the inside spaces of the mountingpipe 12 and theelectrical equipment case 57. As described above, one ends of theelectric wires 54 on the drive means side which run down from thecontrol device 47 through the mountingpipe 12 of thebracket 6, reach the inside of theelectrical equipment case 57, where they are connected disconnectably to the drive means 53. - As shown in Fig. 5, if the
fifth fasteners 60 are loosened, the drive means 53 can be taken out from inside theelectrical equipment case 57 in one body with thecover 59 and thesixth fasteners 61. In this case, theelectric wires 54 have a little slack, which allows taking in and out of the drive means 53. - The
electric wires 54 are cut at the lengthwise middle portion, and acouplers 64 are provided for coupling the cut ends disconnectably. Thecouplers 64 are disposed at the inside front portion of thecasing 16 between thecover 20 of thecasing 16 and the front end of theelectric motor 23, and positioned within theopening 19 in front view. - The
electric motor 23 is located right under the mountingpipe 12. Theelectrical equipment case 57, and the drive means 53 housed therein are located rearwardly of the lower end of the mountingpipe 12 of thebracket 6 and upwardly of thecasing 16 and theelectric motor 23. - When a driver operates the
handle grip 14 of the steering handle 9 so as to propel thewatercraft 1, detected signals of rotation angles from thegrip angle sensor 49, and detected signals of rotational direction from therotation switching device 50 are input to thecontrol unit 48, a given power is supplied to theelectric motor 23 through the drive means 53 controlled by thecontrol unit 48 according to these signals. In this case, an electric current flows from thebrush 36 to thearmature 34 through thecommutator 35 in sliding contact with thebrush 36, and therotor 32 is rotated about theaxis 18. In this way, theelectric motor 23 is controlled of its speed, and normal and reverse rotational directions. - The
propeller 24 is rotated in association with themotor 23, so that thewatercraft 1 is propelled at a desired speed forwardly or backwardly on the surface ofwater 3. - In the construction described above, the
electric motor 23 is housed in thecasing 16 and protected from the outside, as a whole, so that theelectric motor 23 needs only to be of a type for simply driving thepropeller 24, that is, there is no need for amotor case 27 etc with a special structure, and thus a general purpose type is utilized for theelectric motor 23 as described above. - Further, since the
electric motor 23 is covered by thecasing 16 so as not to be exposed to the body ofwater 7, thecasing 16 will prevent theelectric motor 23 from directly striking against the bottom of water during running. Therefore, it is not necessary for themotor case 27 of theelectric motor 23 to be thick enough to withstand the impact at the time of the collision, and thus a general purpose type is utilized for theelectric motor 23. - Furthermore, the
electric motor 23 is covered by thecasing 16 so as not to be exposed to the body ofwater 7, thereby preventing themotor case 27 from being corroded by the water. Therefore, it is not necessary for amotor case 27 of theelectric motor 23 to be made of special corrosion resistant material or to assume a corrosion proof structure, and thus an electric motor of a general purpose type is utilized. - Moreover, as described above, especially in Fig. 5, the
electric motor 23 can be taken out from thecasing 16 through theopening 19 if only theopening 19 is opened by loosening thefirst fasteners 21 and removing thecover 20. - Therefore, although the
electric motor 23 is housed in thecasing 16, maintenance and inspection of theelectric motor 23 can be performed easily, for example, at the time of replacement of the motor with new one. - Further, especially as shown in Fig. 5, when maintenance or inspection is performed of the
electric motor 23 housed in thecasing 16, theopening 19 is first opened by manipulating thecover 20. Then, thecouplers 64, which are located inside theopening 19 as described above, can be disconnected easily through theopening 19. - If the
couplers 64 are disconnected, theelectric motor 23 can be taken out from thecasing 16 through theopening 19 without any interference withelectric wires 54 connecting theelectric motor 23 and thecontrol device 47. - Therefore, maintenance and inspection of the
electric motor 23 can be performed easily regardless of the existence of theelectric wires 54. - Yet further, when the
electric motor 23 is operated, an electric current flows between thecommutator 35 and thebrush 36 which are in sliding contact with each other, so that thecommutator 35 and thebrush 36 tend to generate heat, thereby causing a higher temperature of theelectric motor 23. - As described above, the
motor case 27 is joined to thecasing 16 in the vicinity of thebrush 36. Therefore, the heat generated between thecommutator 35 and thebrush 36 is transmitted smoothly to thecasing 16 from themotor case 27 in the vicinity of thebrush 36, and further, released efficiently into the body ofwater 7 from thecasing 16. - Therefore, although the
electric motor 23 is housed in thecasing 16, a higher temperature of theelectric motor 23 is prevented. - Further, the
electric motor 23 is located right under thebracket 6 together with thecasing 16, and theelectrical equipment case 57 rearwardly of the lower end of thebracket 6. - Therefore, the
casing 16,electric motor 23, andelectrical equipment case 57 are located longitudinally at substantially the same place as thebracket 6, thereby preventing large forward or rearward projection of thecasing 16,electric motor 23, andelectrical equipment case 57 from thebracket 6. - Thus, interference of the
electric motor 23 etc with the fishing pole during "shell gathering" is prevented, providing smooth "shell gathering." - Still further, as described above, the
electric motor 23 is located right under thebracket 6, so that the length of theelectric wires 54 which run from thecontrol unit 47 to theelectric motor 23 through thebracket 6, can be kept small, thereby effecting easy wiring. - Yet further, as described above, the
motor drive unit 8 has theelectrical equipment case 57 mounted to thecasing 16, and the drive means 53 is housed detachably in theelectric equipment case 57. - Therefore, when the drive means 53 is to be detached for maintenance or inspection, conventional preparatory work of removing the
electric motor 23 is not necessary. - Thus, the drive means 53 can be attached or detached whether the
electric motor 23 is mounted or not, so that maintenance and inspection of the drive means 53 can be performed easily. - Further, the
electrical equipment case 57 is located rearwardly of the lower end of thebracket 6. - Therefore, when the
electrical equipment case 57 is provided, it is covered behind the lower end of thebracket 6, thererby preventing increased fluid resistance of theelectrical equipment case 57 during propulsion of thewatercraft 1. - Thus, as described above, although the drive means 53 is arranged so that its maintenance and inspection can be performed easily, smooth propulsion of the
watercraft 1 is ensured. - In addition, the
electrical equipment case 57 is located upwardly of thecasing 16, so that thecasing 16 prevents theelectrical equipment case 57 from striking the bottom of the water during propulsion of thewatercraft 1. - Therefore, the drive means 53, which is housed in the
electrical equipment case 57 and whose impact resistance is small, is protected reliably from the impact force due to the collision. - Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment.
- Referring to the figure, the
commutator 35 of theelectric motor 23 is mounted to the front end of theoutput shaft 33, so that thecommutator 35 and thebrush 36 is located at the front end portion inside themotor case 27. On the other hand, thesupport piece 39 is formed integrally on the outer surface of themotor case 27 in the vicinity of thebrush 36, and joined to the front end of thecasing body 17 of thecasing 16 in surface contact relation. That is, the front portion of themotor case 27 in the vicinity of thebrush 36 is joined to thecasing 16. - Other structures and functions of the embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, thus like parts are designated by like reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted.
- Effects of this invention are as follows:
- According to one preferred embodiment, a watercraft propulsion unit having a bracket mounted to a hull and a motor drive unit mounted to the lower end of said bracket and located in the body of water, is characterized in that said motor drive unit comprising a casing forming an outer shell thereof and mounted to said bracket, an electric motor housed in said casing and mounted thereto, and a propeller supported by said casing and driven by said electric motor.
- Therefore, the electric motor needs only to be of the type for simply driving the propeller, that is, there is no need for a special construction, and thus a general purpose electric motor can be utilized.
- Further, since the electric motor is covered by the casing so as not to be exposed to the body of water, the casing will prevent the electric motor from directly striking against the bottom of water during running. Therefore, it is not necessary for the motor case of the electric motor to be thick enough to withstand the impact at the time of the collision, and thus a general purpose electric motor can be utilized.
- Furthermore, the electric motor is covered by the casing so as not to be exposed to the body of water, thereby preventing the motor case from being corroded by the water. Therefore, it is not necessary for a motor case of the electric motor to be made of special corrosion resistant material or to assume a corrosion proof structure, and thus a general purpose electric motor can be utilized.
- For reasons as described above, since a general purpose electric motor can be utilized, easy molding can be achieved of the motor drive unit for housing the electric motor as a component, as well as a lower production cost.
- According to another preferred embodiment, a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that said casing is formed with an opening and provided with a cover for opening and closing said opening so that said electric motor can be inserted removably into said casing through said opening, and said electric motor is mounted removably to said casing.
- Therefore, the electric motor, which is housed in the casing, can be taken out from the casing through the opening if only the opening is opened by removing the cover.
- Thus, although the electric motor is housed in the casing, maintenance and inspection of the electric motor can be performed easily, for example, at the time of replacement of the motor with new one.
- According to a further preferred embodiment, a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that on the hull is provided with a control device for controlling said electric motor, through said bracket are provided electric wires for connecting said electric motor and a control device, said wires being cut at the middle portion thereof, and in said casing are provided couplers for disconnectably connecting said cut ends of said wires, said couplers being located within said opening when viewed from the front of said opening.
- Therefore, when maintenance or inspection of the electric motor housed in the casing, is to be performed, if the opening is first opened by manipulating the cover, the couplers, which are located inside the opening as described above, can be disconnected easily through the opening.
- If the couplers are disconnected, the electric motor can be taken out easily outside of the casing through the opening without interference with the wires connecting the electric motor and the control device.
- Therefore, maintenance and inspection of the electric motor can be performed easily regardless of the existence of the electric wires.
- According to a still further preferred embodiment, a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that said electric motor comprises a motor case constituting its outer shell, a rotor housed in said motor case and supported by said motor case for rotation, an commutator rotatable with said rotor, and a brush mounted on said motor case for slidably engaging said commutator, said motor case being joined to said casing in the vicinity of said brush.
- In this case, when the electric motor is operated, an electric current flows between the commutator and the brush which are in sliding contact with each other, so that the commutator and the brush tend to generate heat, thereby causing a higher temperature of the electric motor.
- However, as described above, the motor case is joined to the casing in the vicinity of the brush.
- Thus, the heat generated between the commutator and the brush is transmitted smoothly to the casing from the motor case in the vicinity of the brush, and further, released efficiently into the body of water from the casing.
- As a result, the electric motor, though housed in the casing, is cooled down effectively without hindrance by the casing, preventing a higher temperature of the electric motor.
- According to still another preferred embodiment, a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that said electric motor is located right under said bracket.
- Therefore, the bracket and electric motor are located longitudinally at substantially the same place, thereby preventing large forward projection of the electric motor from the bracket.
- Thus, interference of the electric motor with the fishing pole during "shell gathering" is prevented, which provides smooth "shell gathering."
- Still further, as described above, the electric motor is located right under the bracket, so that the length of the electric wires which run from the control unit to the electric motor through the bracket can be kept small, thereby effecting easy wiring.
- Effects of this invention are as follows:
- According to still another preferred embodiment a watercraft propulsion unit provided with a bracket mounted to a hull and a motor drive unit mounted to the lower end of said bracket and located in the body of water, said motor drive unit having a casing mounted to said bracket, an electric motor mounted removably to said casing, a propeller mounted to said casing and driven by said electric motor, and drive means for controlling the rotational speed of said electric motor, is characterized in that said motor drive unit is provided with an electrical equipment case mounted to said casing, and said drive means is housed detachably in said electrical equipment case.
- Therefore, when the drive means is to be detached for maintenance or inspection, conventional preparatory work of removing the electric motor is not necessary.
- Thus, the drive means can be attached or detached whether the electric motor is mounted or not, so that maintenance and inspection of the drive means can be performed easily.
- According to still another preferred embodiment a watercraft propulsion unit is characterized in that said electrical equipment case is located rearwardly of the lower end of said bracket and upwardly of said casing.
- Therefore, when the electrical equipment case described in the invention of
claim 1, is provided, it is covered behind the lower end of the bracket, thererby preventing increased fluid resistance of the electrical equipment case during propulsion of the watercraft. - Thus, as described above, notwithstanding the drive means being arranged so that its maintenance and inspection can be performed easily, smooth propulsion of the watercraft is ensured.
- Further, as described above, the electrical equipment case is located upwardly of the casing, so that the casing prevents the electrical equipment case from striking the bottom of the water during propulsion of the watercraft.
- Therefore, the drive means, which is housed in the electrical equipment case and whose impact resistance is small, is protected reliably from the impact force due to the collision.
Claims (14)
- A watercraft propulsion unit (4) comprising:a bracket (6) mountable to a hull (2),a motor drive unit (8), which comprises a casing (16) forming an outer shell thereof, mounted to the lower end of said bracket (6) and is locatable in the body of water (7), andan electric motor (23), which is accommodated in said casing (16), mounted thereto and provided with a motor case (27) for driving a propeller (24),
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said casing (16) being provided with an opening (19) openable and closable by a cover (20).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to claim 2, characterized in that said opening (19) and said cover (20) are provided at a front end of said motor drive unit (8) opposite to said propeller (24).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized by a control device (47) providable on the hull (2) for controlling said electric motor (23) via electric wires (54) arranged in said bracket (6).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to claim 4, characterized in that said wires (54) are detachably connectable via couplers (64) positioned within said case (16) close to said opening (19).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said electric motor (23) comprises a rotor (32) housed in said motor case (27) and supported by said motor case (27) for rotation, a commutator (35) rotatable with said rotor (32), and a brush (36) mounted on said motor case (27) for slidably engaging said commutator (35), said motor case (27) being joined to said casing (16) in the vicinity of said brush (36).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said electric motor (23) is located right beneath said bracket (6).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized In that said electrical equipment case (57) is located between the lower end of said bracket (6) and said propeller (24) and upwardly of said casing (16).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, characterized in that said opening (19) has a substantially circular shape and that said cover (20) has a semi-spherical shape.
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said motor case (27) comprising a cylindrical motor case body (28) having the same longitudinal axis (18) as the motor drive unit (8), a front closing plate (29) and a rear closing plate (30).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said electrical equipment case (57) comprising an electrical equipment case body (58) detachably closable by a cover (59), said drive means (53) are detachably connected to said cover (59).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to claim 11, characterized in that said electrical equipment case body (58) is integrally formed with the upper wall of a casing body (17) of said casing (16).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 6 to 12, characterized in that said commutator (35) is located at the side of said electric motor (23) facing the propeller (24) or at the side of the electric motor (23) opposite to said propeller (24).
- A watercraft propulsion unit according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said electric motor is a customary electric motor (23).
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP18815396 | 1996-06-27 | ||
JP18815296A JP3698818B2 (en) | 1996-06-27 | 1996-06-27 | Ship propulsion device |
JP188153/96 | 1996-06-27 | ||
JP18815296 | 1996-06-27 | ||
JP188152/96 | 1996-06-27 | ||
JP18815396A JP3698819B2 (en) | 1996-06-27 | 1996-06-27 | Ship propulsion device |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0816222A2 EP0816222A2 (en) | 1998-01-07 |
EP0816222A3 EP0816222A3 (en) | 1999-02-10 |
EP0816222B1 true EP0816222B1 (en) | 2002-12-18 |
Family
ID=26504754
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19970110587 Expired - Lifetime EP0816222B1 (en) | 1996-06-27 | 1997-06-27 | Watercraft propulsion unit |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0816222B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69717914T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1150883B1 (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2003-04-23 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Electric ship propulsion |
FI115041B (en) * | 2000-01-28 | 2005-02-28 | Abb Oy | Ship engine unit |
FI115042B (en) * | 2000-01-28 | 2005-02-28 | Abb Oy | Engine unit for ships |
US7329160B2 (en) | 2000-02-26 | 2008-02-12 | Andrea Grimmeisen | Motorized watercraft |
CA2372177C (en) * | 2000-02-26 | 2008-05-06 | Andrea Grimmeisen | Motorized watercraft |
DE102004049615B4 (en) | 2004-10-12 | 2009-03-05 | Rotinor Gmbh | Motorized watercraft |
DE102010026231A1 (en) * | 2010-07-06 | 2012-01-12 | Andritz Ritz Gmbh | Underwater propulsion unit for offshore use with high voltage direct current power supply and underwater propulsion system |
EP3006326A1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-04-13 | Franco Moro | Improved outboard motor unit |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE877254C (en) * | 1949-11-29 | 1955-01-31 | Pleuger K G | Electric motor drive device for propellers or the like of ships |
DE1100493B (en) * | 1958-03-11 | 1961-02-23 | Emil Anton Stiebling | Electric outboard drive for boats |
US3361215A (en) * | 1966-10-17 | 1968-01-02 | Robert E. Gayle | Magnetic driving apparatus for electric fishing motors |
US3723839A (en) * | 1972-03-27 | 1973-03-27 | Lowrance Electronics Mfg | Trolling motor with steering means |
US3954082A (en) * | 1973-09-04 | 1976-05-04 | William G. Roller | Motor housing for an electric trolling motor |
US3906887A (en) * | 1974-03-29 | 1975-09-23 | Chris S Kappas | Electric outboard motor |
US4296363A (en) * | 1974-09-09 | 1981-10-20 | Outboard Marine Corporation | Speed selection for a direct current permanent magnet motor |
US4559016A (en) * | 1984-04-30 | 1985-12-17 | Eaton Corporation | Mounting and cooling arrangement for semiconductor switch of an electric outboard motor |
JPS63251395A (en) * | 1987-04-09 | 1988-10-18 | Moriyama Kogyo Kk | Electromotive outboard motor |
-
1997
- 1997-06-27 EP EP19970110587 patent/EP0816222B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-06-27 DE DE1997617914 patent/DE69717914T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0816222A3 (en) | 1999-02-10 |
DE69717914T2 (en) | 2003-04-30 |
EP0816222A2 (en) | 1998-01-07 |
DE69717914D1 (en) | 2003-01-30 |
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