Patent Application
20250145266
This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2023 130 679.0, filed Nov. 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to an attachment device for fastening an outboard drive to a boat and to an outboard drive for a boat.
Outboard drives and motors are a known drive means for boats. As a rule, they are attached to the stern of the respective boat via an attachment device, in particular a mirror mount. Boats can have different stern shapes. If a flat stern end plate is present, this is also referred to as a “transom”. The transom can be inclined differently with respect to the water surface. It can be perpendicular to the water surface, project obliquely beyond the water surface or be inclined in the direction of the boat interior. Furthermore, the inclination of the transom with respect to the water surface can vary on account of different states, in particular driving and/or loading states, of the boat.
In order to be able to operate an outboard drive as optimally as possible, the propeller shaft of the propeller unit of the outboard drive, that is to say the axis of rotation of the propeller, should be oriented substantially parallel to the water surface in an intended normal operation. This results in the need to “trim” the outboard. “Trimming” in the context of the present disclosure refers to the tilting or pivoting of the outboard, more precisely of a shaft unit, which holds the propeller shaft, of the outboard, about its transverse axis, or about the transverse axis of the boat, in order thus to adapt the position of the outboard, in particular of the propeller axis, with respect to the water surface. Accordingly, it is customary to provide different trimming positions, in particular in the form of pivoting positions, for the outboard.
The trimming generally takes place once as an adaptation of the orientation of the drive unit of the outboard drive for the normal operation, more precisely the axis of rotation of the propeller with respect to the boat to which the outboard drive is attached, which is intended later during use.
For trimming, it is known to provide a plurality of trimming bores, which are spaced apart from one another, on the fastening unit and to insert a trimming pin through one of the trimming bores, in order to achieve a predefined angle of the shaft unit. The trimming bore into which the trimming pin is inserted is selected such that the shaft unit, in a rest position and/or an expected or actual normal operation, is oriented as close as possible to a perpendicular orientation with respect to the water surface, or the propeller shaft is oriented as close as possible to an orientation parallel to the (theoretically mirror-smooth) water surface, that is to say as close as possible to 0° with respect to the water surface. This trimming position selected at the outset represents the permanent trimming position of the outboard, more precisely of the propeller shaft, that is to say the 0° position.
The term “tiling” likewise refers to the tilting or pivoting of the outboard about its transverse axis, or about the transverse axis of the boat. Tiling, however, substantially relates to the purpose of pivoting the outboard from an operating position, for example the trimming position (0° position), in which the outboard is immersed in the water, into a safety or parking position, in which the outboard is pivoted out of the water to the maximum extent. In this disclosure, the above-ground position which is achieved by the outboard motor, more precisely the propeller unit, being tilted out of the water is referred to as the “tilt position”.
Usually, an outboard is attached or attached to the transom of a boat by means of a mount, for example a clamping device or a mirror mount. If a boat does not have a transom in the actual sense, since the boat has an open stern, for example, a mounting plate is usually provided in the stern region for attaching the outboard. If the mounting plate is substantially perpendicular or with a customary inclination, as described above, with respect to the water surface and is suitable for receiving an outboard, it is likewise encompassed below by the term transom.
Known mounts can fix an outboard in different positions in order to provide pivoting positions for the outboard.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,328 B2 describes an attachment device for a pivotable mount of an outboard, which attachment device can be attached to different attachment positions of differently shaped boats. In this case, a locking element is attached to a shaft of the outboard by means of a clamping screw and is in engagement with two parallel-arranged and toothed quarter-circle disks of the device. It can be regarded as worthy of improvement that the handling for pivoting the outboard can be difficult for the user. For this purpose, the user must first release the clamping screw of the locking element, then pivot the outboard and hold it in a desired target position and at the same time readjust and clamp the locking element again. In addition, when using this device in the locked state, the outboard is rigidly connected to the mount in the preset position, in particular fixed in its pivoting position. In shallow waters, there is thus the risk that the outboard collides with an underwater obstacle or the bottom of the water and the outboard, the attachment device and/or the boat are thus damaged.
CN 104627343 A shows an outboard drive with an attachment device which can be pivoted between an underwater position provided as an operating position and an overwater position representing a tilt position, wherein a blocking block is spring-pretensioned into a first blocking position in the underwater position and is spring-pretensioned into a second blocking position in the overwater position.
Proceeding from the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved attachment device for fastening an outboard drive to a boat, and to provide an improved outboard drive.
According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by an attachment device for fastening an outboard drive to a boat having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.
Accordingly, an attachment device for fastening an outboard drive to a boat is proposed, comprising a fastening unit which is configured to fasten the outboard drive, more precisely the attachment device, to the boat, and a rocker unit which is pivotable about a predetermined transverse axis about the fastening unit and which is configured to hold a shaft unit of the outboard drive. A lever unit is arranged on the rocker unit, by means of which lever unit the rocker unit can be positioned in at least three different pivot positions with respect to the fastening unit. Particularly preferably, the rocker unit can be positioned in at least four different pivot positions with respect to the fastening unit.
Accordingly, the adjustment of the rocker unit into each of the abovementioned pivot positions can take place via the operation of the lever unit.
In particular, the positioning in the at least three different pivot positions can be achieved by the single lever unit.
As a result, it is possible, inter alia, to achieve a reduction in the total number of individual parts of the attachment device with respect to conventional devices according to the prior art, in particular of cost-intensive stainless steel parts and welding assemblies.
Furthermore, simple operation of the functions such as tilt, backward locking, shallow water position and run-on protection can be achieved, which can all take place via the one (single) lever unit. This operation can preferably be simplified one-handed operation.
Accordingly, comfortable latching of the outboard drive with a plurality of pivot positions can be achieved.
In the context of the present disclosure, the pivoting of the outboard about its transverse axis, or about the transverse axis of the boat, in particular comprises the trimming and/or the tiling. Accordingly, both trimming and tilt positions of the outboard are encompassed below if pivot positions of the outboard are described.
The three aforementioned pivot positions can therefore comprise, for example, two trimming positions and one tilt position. In other words, the rocker unit and therefore the pivotable part of the outboard motor can be positioned both in the tilt position and in at least two trimming positions by means of the single lever unit. Preferably, other pivot positions can also be provided, for example a fixed trimming position and at least three or four tilt positions.
In this disclosure, the longitudinal axis of an attachment device and/or of an outboard drive corresponds to an axis which, in a correctly fastened state in which the outboard drive is fastened to the boat by means of the attachment device or the attachment device, corresponds to a boat longitudinal direction, that is to say a bow-stern direction of the boat. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and corresponds to a starboard-port direction. In an intended rest position of the boat in mirror-smooth water, the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction are oriented substantially parallel to the water surface.
In this disclosure, an orthogonal reference system customary for vehicles is used to describe the attachment device and the outboard drive, in particular with respect to the outboard to be fastened to the boat. Here, the X axis denotes the longitudinal axis, the Y axis denotes the transverse axis and the Z axis denotes the vertical axis of the boat in an intended use of the boat, that is to say in particular when the boat is in the water. Thus, the position and direction of the individual components of the proposed device in the correctly fastened state can be specified with respect to the outboard fastened to the boat by means of the device.
According to one embodiment, one of the pivot positions can correspond to a trim position of a drive unit connected to the rocker unit. The attachment device can therefore be designed in such a way that the rocker unit is positioned in the trim position with respect to the fastening unit by means of the lever unit.
According to a further embodiment, two, three or particularly preferably four tilt positions can be provided as pivot positions. By means of the lever unit, the rocker unit can then be moved out of the trim position and then be positioned in one of the tilt positions.
A “trim position” corresponds to the operating position described with respect to the technical background, in which the propeller axis of the propeller unit is oriented as far as possible parallel or even substantially parallel to the direction of travel or to the (theoretical mirror-smooth) water surface. Depending on the application scenario, however, a slightly pivoted trim position can also be provided in order, for example, to assist the behavior of the boat during the transition from displacement travel to gliding travel.
A “downward pivoting” corresponds to a pivoting in which the center of gravity of the pivoted object, for example of the rocker unit when the attachment unit is fastened to the boat in a correctly fastened state, is moved relative to the attachment unit about the transverse axis to a lower height level with respect to the direction of gravity. An “upward pivoting” corresponds to a pivoting in which the center of gravity of the pivoted object, for example of the rocker unit when the attachment unit is fastened to the boat in a correctly fastened state, is moved relative to the attachment unit about the transverse axis to a higher height level with respect to the direction of gravity. For this purpose, it is therefore necessary to apply a torque which acts about the transverse axis counter to a torque acting on the rocker unit via the gravitational force and the mass of the rocker unit together with add-on parts.
A pivot position can correspond to a tilt position of the drive unit connected to the rocker unit. The tilt position can be a safety and/or parking position in which the outboard is pivoted out of the water to the maximum extent for safety and/or parking purposes. The tilt position as a rule corresponds to a position of the rocker unit pivoted upward to the maximum extent in which a shaft unit arranged on the rocker unit and the propeller unit arranged thereon are pivoted out of the water to the maximum extent. It can correspond to an above-ground position of the propeller unit or synonymously of the outboard, more precisely of the shaft unit and of the propeller unit. The tilt position therefore represents an upper or rear-direction end position of the rocker unit.
Optionally, more than one tilt position can also be provided, for example a first tilt position in which the rocker unit is pivoted upward by approximately 90°, for example, with respect to the trim position, and a second tilt position in which the rocker unit is pivoted upward by approximately 75°, for example, with respect to the trim position. The tilt positions have in common that they represent above-ground positions of the outboard drive, more precisely of the shaft unit and of the propeller unit.
The terms “bow-direction-side” or “bow-direction-side pivoting” and “rear-direction-side” or “rear-direction-side pivoting” are with respect to the displacement of a propeller unit connected to the rocker unit with respect to the bow-stern direction, that is to say the X axis of the boat, when the attachment device is attached to the boat in the correct state. Here, “bow-side” corresponds to a displacement of the rocker unit or of the propeller unit, more precisely for example of a center of gravity of the rocker unit or of the propeller unit, to the bow, that is to say in the direction of the bow of the boat. Accordingly, “rear-side” corresponds to a displacement of the rocker unit or of the propeller unit, more precisely for example of the center of gravity of the rocker unit or of the propeller unit, to the stern, that is to say in the direction of the stern of the boat.
At least one pivot position can correspond to a shallow water position of the drive unit connected to the rocker unit. Optionally, the rocker unit can be positioned in two different shallow water positions or a plurality of shallow water positions, or a plurality of shallow water positions can optionally be provided.
A “shallow water position” corresponds to an operating position of the outboard drive, more precisely of the outboard, in which the rocker unit is present in a position pivoted upward, that is to say rear-direction, with respect to the trim position. As a result, the draft of the outboard drive is reduced since the propeller unit arranged on the lower side of the shaft unit dips less deeply into the water. Accordingly, the boat can be operated with an outboard drive arranged in a shallow water position in shallower waters than in the trim position without there being a collision of the outboard drive with objects located under water, for example the bottom of the water and/or rocks, tree stumps or other obstacles.
The shallow water position can be specified with respect to a provided trim position, for example a predefined lowermost trim position of a plurality of predefinable trim positions, to be precise for example via the angle about the transverse axis with which the rocker unit is present pivoted relative to its orientation in the provided trim position in the shallow water position.
A shallow water position therefore corresponds to a position between the trim position and the tilt position in which the propeller of the propeller unit is still present under water, with the result that propulsion of the boat can be provided via said propeller.
It has proven to be advantageous if a plurality of different shallow water positions are provided in which the rocker unit can be positioned with respect to the fastening unit.
Exemplary pivot angles of the shallow water position(s) with which the rocker unit is present pivoted about the transverse axis with respect to the provided trim position can be, for example, in a range of greater than 0°, optionally greater than or equal to 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° or 25° and/or less than 90°, optionally less than or equal to 80°, 75°, 70°, 60°, 50°, 45°. For example, a shallow water position can have a pivot angle of 20°, 30°, 40° or 45° relative to the trim position. A maximum possible angle of the shallow water position depends on the form of the outboard drive, in particular the length of the shaft unit and the size of the propeller unit. This is because, in the shallow water position, the propeller unit is positioned under water in order to be able to generate propulsion.
According to one advantageous embodiment, the attachment device can be designed in such a way that the rocker unit can optionally be positioned in the trim position, at least one tilt position and at least one shallow water position with respect to the attachment unit.
According to one embodiment, the lever unit can be switched into a locking position in which the lever unit fixes the rocker unit with respect to the attachment unit against pivoting. For example, the lever unit can fix the rocker unit in the trim position in the locking position.
For example, the lever unit located in the locking position can fix the rocker unit to a trim pin arranged on the attachment unit. The lever unit can optionally comprise a locking stop which, in the locking position, strikes the trim pin on the front side.
Alternatively or additionally, the lever unit can be switched into a run-on protection position in which the lever unit is configured to release pivoting of the rocker unit on the rear direction. Optionally, the lever unit, in the run-on protection position, can be disengaged from the trim pin on the front side of the trim pin, wherein optionally the locking stop can be disengaged from the trim pin in the run-on protection position.
Advantageously, the lever unit can optionally be switched into the locking position and into the run-on protection position when the rocker unit is in the trim position. In the trim position, it is then consequently possible to change between a locked state of the rocker unit with respect to the attachment unit and a run-on protection state of the rocker unit in which the rocker unit can pivot backward and upward on the rear direction by switching the lever unit either into the locking position or into the run-on protection position.
In the context of the present disclosure, run-on protection is understood to mean a functionality which is suitable for protecting an outboard from damage or for minimizing damage when the propeller unit located in an operating position collides or threatens to collide with an underwater obstacle, for example rock or the bottom of the water, during a relative movement of the boat with respect to the surrounding water.
More precisely, passive run-on protection in the present case is understood to mean that, in the event of a collision of the propeller unit and/or of the shaft unit carrying the latter with an underwater obstacle, the force effect of the collision on the propeller unit and/or shaft unit is used as a force vector which acts as a lever force via the shaft unit and the rocker unit connected to the latter and thus generates a pivoting torque for pivoting the outboard about the transverse axis. As a result, the momentum of the collision can be converted into a pivoting movement of the propeller unit, of the shaft unit and of the rocker unit and possible damage to the outboard can thus be prevented or reduced. In other words, the outboard can yield to the collision momentum with the aid of the device by the energy of the collision momentum being converted into the above-described pivoting torque about the transverse axis.
According to one embodiment, the lever unit can comprise a latching element. For example, the lever unit, in the shallow water position, can be in engagement with the latching element in a shallow water latching element receptacle arranged on the fastening unit. If a plurality of shallow water positions are provided, the fastening unit optionally comprises a shallow water latching element receptacle for each of the shallow water positions.
The shallow water latching element receptacle can optionally be designed in such a way that, in a properly fastened state in which the outboard drive is fastened to the boat by means of the attachment device, the rocker unit can pivot on the rear side if a resulting pivoting torque acting on the rocker unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Optionally, the shallow water latching element receptacle comprises an oblique ramp on the rear direction side, oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to the circumferential direction of the transverse axis with respect to the tangent of the circumferential direction.
Alternatively or additionally, the lever unit, in the tilt position, can be in engagement with the latching element in a tilt latching element receptacle arranged on the fastening unit. If a plurality of tilt positions are provided, the fastening unit optionally comprises a tilt latching element receptacle for each of the tilt positions.
According to one embodiment, the lever unit can comprise two lever members, wherein a first lever member is arranged pivotably on the rocker unit on one side and a second lever member is arranged pivotably on the first lever member on the other side of the first lever member, and the second lever member is guided on the rocker unit at a distance from the pivotable connection to the first lever member via a slotted guide.
According to one embodiment, the lever unit can be locked in the run-on protection position, wherein optionally the slotted guide of the lever unit comprises a locking receptacle for receiving a guide element guided in the slotted guide, wherein the lever unit is optionally locked in the run-on protection position if the guide element is received in the locking receptacle. Advantageously, the locking receptacle is arranged at a lower end of the slotted guide.
According to one embodiment, the lever unit can comprise a pretensioning mechanism for pretensioning, for example spring-pretensioning, the lever unit in a predetermined direction. Optionally, the pretensioning mechanism pretensions the lever unit in the direction of at least one predetermined position, for example in the direction of or into the locking position, run-on protection position and/or shallow water position. The pretensioning mechanism can comprise a spring element, for example a spiral spring, which is arranged, for example, on the pivotable mounting of the first lever member with respect to the rocker unit. The spring element can apply a pretensioning force or a pretensioning moment to the first lever member, such that the first lever member pretensions the second lever member in the direction predetermined by the pretensioning.
The attachment device can furthermore be designed according to one or more of the other aspects described in this disclosure.
The shaft unit can be part of a drive unit. It can comprise a shaft and a shaft head. Furthermore, a propeller unit can be arranged on the shaft, which propeller unit can likewise be understood to be part of the drive unit.
According to a second aspect, the aforementioned object is achieved by an outboard drive for a boat having the features of claim 8. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.
Accordingly, an outboard drive for a boat is proposed, comprising a fastening device for fastening the outboard drive to a boat, and a drive unit which is arranged on the fastening device so as to be rotatable about a steering angle rotation axis.
The fastening device can be that described with respect to the first aspect, but is not restricted thereto.
The fastening device and the drive unit are coupled via an adjustment part for adjusting a steering angle range of the drive unit relative to the fastening device. In other words, the outboard drive comprises an adjustment part by which a steering angle range of the drive unit relative to the fastening device can be adjusted. At least three different steering angle ranges of the drive unit relative to the fastening device can be adjusted by switching the adjustment part.
Accordingly, it is possible to variably specify the maximum possible steering angle, that is to say the deviation of the orientation of the drive unit, more precisely an orientation of the propeller axis of the propeller of the drive unit, relative to the longitudinal direction of the boat in the correctly fastened state of the outboard drive on the boat. The longitudinal direction here represents a steering angle of 0°. Each deviation from the orientation in the longitudinal direction therefore corresponds to a steering angle deflection, wherein the steering angle between the propeller axis in the longitudinal direction and the propeller axis in the deflected state is specified. A steering angle of ±60° means, for example, that the drive unit can be rotated about the steering angle rotation axis out of the 0° orientation in the longitudinal direction by 60° in a first direction, for example in the direction starboard, and can likewise be rotated by 60° in a direction opposite the first direction, according to the example then in the direction port.
As a result of the limitation of the maximum possible steering angle deflection—adapted to the respective type of boat used, on which the outboard drive is attached—it is thus possible to increase the safety for the use of the boat with the outboard drive in comparison with conventional outboard drives. For example, as a result of the limitation of the steering angle range, it is possible to prevent parts of the outboard drive, for example the propeller unit, from colliding with other parts of the boat and thereby causing damage to the outboard drive and/or to the boat. In addition, it is possible to prevent the pin from rotating into a region which cannot be reached safely and/or only with difficulty by the operator located in the boat, for example in the direction of the stern or even beyond the stern of the boat, when using the outboard drive with a pin, via which direction and driving step can be predefined.
The limitation of the steering angle range can furthermore be advantageous for transport purposes of the outboard drive and/or of the boat, in particular if the steering angle deflection is limited to a few degrees or even locked to 0°.
A limitation to 0° can also be advantageous if the outboard motor is used to drive a boat which already permits a separate control, for example via a rudder, that is to say for example as a rudder slide in a sailing boat. Here, the outboard motor can be fixed with a steering angle deflection of 0° and the sailing boat is controlled as usual via the rudder system.
In addition, the outboard drive can be used in different boat types without significant adaptations of the boat and/or of the outboard drive being necessary. For example, different steering angle ranges with respect to different boat types can be provided. For instance, a first steering angle range can be provided for small to medium-sized boats such as aluminum boats or bass boats. It can, without being restricted thereto, comprise ±60°. A further steering angle range could be designed for hose boats and comprise, for example, ±30°.
The outboard drive or the adjustment part can optionally be designed in such a way that the adjustment part can be changed at least between three predetermined adjustment positions. In other words, the adjustment part can be arranged on the outboard drive in such a way that its position relative to the fastening device and/or the drive unit can alternatively be moved into at least three predetermined adjustment positions, that is to say can be changed between these. Here, in each of the predetermined adjustment positions a respective steering angle range of the drive unit relative to the fastening device can be predetermined. Each adjustment position therefore predetermines a respective steering angle range of predetermined size.
Furthermore, the adjustment part can be arranged on the fastening device and/or the drive unit, that is to say, for example, either on the fastening device or on the drive unit, and can be displaced with respect to the latter in the at least three adjustment positions. Optionally, the adjustment part can have a coupling portion, by means of which it can be coupled to a receiving portion, arranged on the corresponding other of the fastening device or the drive unit, for predetermining at least one of the steering angle ranges. The adjustment part can therefore be arranged on the fastening device or the drive unit in such a way that, in at least one adjustment position, it is coupled to the other of the fastening device or the drive unit, on which it is not arranged, in order to enable and/or limit the provided steering angle range.
According to one embodiment, the adjustment part can be brought into a first adjustment position, in which it is coupled to a first receiving portion, as a result of which a first steering angle range is predetermined. Furthermore, the adjustment part can be brought into a second adjustment position, in which it is coupled to a second receiving portion, as a result of which a second steering angle range different from the first steering angle range is predetermined. Furthermore, the adjustment part can be brought into a further, for example third, adjustment position, in which it is coupled to a third receiving portion, as a result of which a third steering angle range is predetermined. The adjustment part can likewise be configured to be able to be brought into a release adjustment position, in which the adjustment part does not bring about any steering angle limitation of the drive unit relative to the fastening device, therefore releases the rotation of the drive unit relative to the fastening device, that is to say enables a rotation through 360°.
It has proven to be advantageous if one of the steering angle ranges has 0° of rotation angle. At least one of the steering angle ranges can alternatively or additionally have a predetermined rotation angle of greater than 0° and less than ±360°, optionally less than or equal to ±270°, further optionally less than or equal to ±180°, for example ±30°, ±45° or ±60°. One of the steering angle ranges can also correspond to a free rotation of the drive unit relative to the fastening device.
According to a third aspect, the aforementioned object is achieved by an outboard drive for a boat having the features of claim 13. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.
Accordingly, an outboard drive for a boat is proposed, comprising a fastening device for fastening the outboard drive to a boat, and a drive unit which is arranged on the fastening device so as to be rotatable about a steering angle rotation axis.
The fastening device can be that described with respect to the first aspect and/or with respect to the second aspect, but is not restricted thereto. The outboard drive can furthermore be designed according to one or more of the other aspects described in this disclosure.
According to this aspect, the outboard drive can be converted between a pinning steering mode and a remote control steering mode.
More precisely, the outboard drive can be designed in such a way that the drive unit can be converted between the pinning steering mode and the remote control steering mode, or the drive unit and the attachment device can be converted between the pinning steering mode and the remote control steering mode.
In the pinning steering mode, or synonymously in the pinning steering configuration, a pin is attached to the drive unit. The control commands, that is to say the specification of the steering angle and optionally the specification of the driving step, are predefined in this configuration by an operator via the pin.
In the remote control steering mode, or synonymously in the remote control steering configuration, the outboard drive is designed in such a way that the control commands, that is to say the specification of the steering angle and optionally the specification of the driving step, are predefined from a location in the boat other than the outboard drive, therefore remote from the outboard drive, and not via the pin. The control commands can be predefined, for example, via a control wheel connected to the drive unit. The driving step can be predefined to the outboard drive, more precisely to the drive unit, via a driving step setting device which is connected to the drive unit and which is arranged, for example, next to the control wheel in the boat.
According to one embodiment, the drive unit can comprise a shaft which is rotatable about the steering angle rotation axis relative to the fastening device, wherein in the pinning steering mode a pin is attached to a shaft head of the shaft.
Alternatively or additionally, in the remote control steering mode a control flange can be attached to the shaft head.
In the pinning steering mode, therefore, a pin can be arranged on the drive unit, and in the remote control steering mode, instead of the pin, the control flange can be fastened in a pin receptacle of the shaft head. For conversion from the pinning steering mode to the remote control steering mode, provision can consequently be made for the pin to be dismounted and for the control flange to be mounted instead of the pin.
Alternatively, provision can be made for the control flange to be arranged permanently on the drive unit. In the pinning steering mode, said control flange is then advantageously decoupled from a remote control device, with the result that no control commands can be transmitted to the drive unit via the control flange. In the remote control steering mode, the control flange is then connected to at least one remote control device, for example a control wheel arranged at another location in the boat, with the result that control commands can be transmitted to the drive unit via the control flange.
Provision can also be made for the pin to be arranged permanently on the drive unit. The conversion then takes place merely by coupling or decoupling the control flange, as described above.
According to one embodiment, the control flange can comprise a connection for connection to a steering angle presetting unit of the outboard drive, wherein optionally the steering angle presetting unit comprises a steering rod which is connected to the control flange and which is displaceable relative to the fastening device in a transverse direction which is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction which corresponds to a boat longitudinal direction in a correctly fastened state in which the outboard drive is fastened to the boat by means of the fastening device.
The steering rod can optionally be connected to the control flange via a push rod. Furthermore, the steering rod can be guided on the fastening device. Thus, a connection to a remote control device of the boat can take place in a simple manner.
According to one embodiment, the fastening device can comprise a fastening unit which is configured to fasten the outboard drive to the boat, and a rocker unit which is pivotable about a predetermined transverse axis about the fastening unit and which is configured to hold the drive unit, for example that as described with respect to the first aspect. The steering rod can optionally be guided centrally with respect to the transverse axis of the rocker unit, optionally in at least one hollow shaft which defines the transverse axis.
The fastening device can comprise the features of the fastening device according to the first aspect and/or the second aspect and/or the third aspect, but is not restricted thereto.
According to a fourth aspect, the aforementioned object is achieved by an outboard drive for a boat having the features of claim 17. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.
Accordingly, an outboard drive for a boat is proposed, comprising a fastening device for fastening the outboard drive to a boat, and a drive unit which comprises a shaft and which is arranged on the fastening device so as to be rotatable about a steering angle rotation axis via the shaft, wherein the drive unit comprises a pin which is arranged on the drive unit, for example on a shaft head of the shaft, so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis.
The fastening device can be that described with respect to the first aspect and/or second aspect and/or third aspect, but is not restricted thereto. The outboard drive can furthermore be designed according to one or more of the other aspects described in this disclosure.
The pin is arranged on the drive unit so as to be changeable between a normal position which is provided for operating the outboard drive and a transport position which is provided for transporting the outboard drive. In the normal position the pin is prevented from pivoting in the direction of the fastening device, and in the transport position the pin is folded in the direction of the fastening device and is held therein in such a way that a rotational movement of the drive unit about the rotation axis is prevented.
For transporting the outboard drive, therefore, the latter can be folded in in a simple manner. More precisely, as described above, the pin is moved out of its normal position which projects from the rest of the outboard drive into the transport position in which the pin bears closely against the rest of the outboard drive, in particular the shaft. The overall dimensions of the outboard drive are therefore smaller than in normal operation. Accordingly, the handling of the outboard drive is facilitated. This is because, inter alia, the pin which projects transversely with respect to the shaft in normal operation does not interfere with the movement and stowing of the outboard drive, and in addition an undesired folding of the drive unit about the rotation axis is not possible.
Furthermore, the outboard drive can be stowed on the boat in a space-saving manner when it is not in use in the folded-in transport position.
According to one embodiment, the pin can be folded between two mirror holding arms of the fastening device in the transport position.
Furthermore, a locking part for selectively locking the pin against pivoting in the direction of the fastening device and releasing the pin for a pivoting movement into the parking position can be arranged on the drive unit, for example on a shaft head of the shaft.
The locking part can optionally be designed so as to be changeable, for example pivotable and/or displaceable, between a locking position and a release position, wherein in the locking position the locking part locks the pin in the normal position against pivoting in the direction of the fastening device, that is to say prevents such pivoting, and in the release position permits a pivoting movement of the pin into the parking position.
The locking part can also be pretensioned, so that when the pin is folded into the horizontal, the pin is automatically locked by the locking part.
According to one embodiment, the pin is arranged above the fastening device as viewed in the height direction. The pivoting of the pin in the direction of the fastening device would then mean pivoting downwards, in the correctly fastened state of the outboard drive on the boat, that is to say in the direction of the boat hull.
The pivoting in the direction of the fastening device can be understood to mean pivoting in a first pivoting direction.
According to one embodiment, the locking part can be designed in such a way that the pin can be pivoted out of the normal position into the direction opposite the fastening device, that is to say into a second pivoting direction opposite the first pivoting direction, when a breakaway torque acting on the pin is exceeded in the pivoting direction directed counter to the fastening device.
In order to make it possible for the pin to be comfortably operated, for example, even when standing or by operators of different sizes, a pivoting position of the pin relative to the drive unit, more precisely to the shaft unit, can be adjustable. In order to hold the pin in a fixed pivoting position, a brake unit for braking the pivoting movement of the pin about the pivot axis relative to the drive unit can be provided, wherein the brake unit optionally applies a predetermined clamping force to a mechanical pivot axis element which defines the pivot axis, wherein optionally the level of the clamping force can be adjusted by an adjusting part which is optionally accessible from the outside, for example an adjusting screw.
As a result, increased riding comfort, in particular when standing, can be achieved. In addition, the pin can thereby be held in the transport position.
Exemplary further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. In the figures:
Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. In this case, identical, similar or identically acting elements are provided with identical reference symbols in the different figures, and a repeated description of these elements is dispensed with in part in order to avoid redundancies.
Arranged at the stern on a transom 3 of the boat 1 is an outboard drive 100-400 which is, for example, an outboard drive according to one of the aspects described above, a combination of at least two thereof, and/or an outboard drive 100-400 according to one of the following figures.
The outboard drive 100-400 comprises a fastening device 10 which is fastened to the transom 3 via a mirror mount 11. The mirror mount 11 is shown here by way of example in the form of clamping jaws. Mounted on the fastening device 10 is a drive unit 50 which is rotatable about a (steering angle) rotation axis 51 relative to the fastening device 10. The rotation axis 51 is oriented in the height direction H in this position of the outboard drive 100-400, but is not restricted thereto.
The drive unit 50 comprises a shaft unit 60 which has a shaft 61 and a shaft head 62. Arranged opposite the shaft head 62, that is to say on the underside of the shaft 61, is a propeller unit 52. The propeller unit 52 can comprise a motor (not shown) which is connected to the propeller 54, which is rotatable about a propeller axis 55, of the propeller unit 52. Alternatively, the motor can be arranged, for example, on the shaft head 62 and can be connected to the propeller 54 via a force transmission unit which runs in the shaft 61, for example a chain drive or belt drive and/or a transmission. The outboard drive 100-400 can comprise a primary energy unit for providing the primary energy required for driving the propeller 54. This can be, as shown here by way of example, a battery 53 which can optionally be attached to the shaft head 62. Alternatively, the outboard drive 100-400 can also comprise a connection, for example a power cable or a fuel hose, which can be connected to a primary energy unit arranged in the boat 1.
Four exemplary embodiments 100-400 of the outboard drive are described in more detail below. For improved clarity, the described components of the outboard drive are provided with respect to a first embodiment 100 with a “1” preceding the actual two-digit reference symbol, with respect to a second embodiment 200 with a “2” preceding the actual two-digit reference symbol, with respect to a third embodiment 300 with a “3” preceding the actual two-digit reference symbol, and with respect to a fourth embodiment 400 with a “4” preceding the actual two-digit reference symbol, in order to discuss individual aspects of the outboard drive 100-400 and its attachment device 10 in more detail. The features described with respect to the individual aspects can in particular also be combined in an outboard drive.
The fastening device 110 is designed for fastening the outboard drive 100 to a boat 1. It comprises a fastening unit 113 which is configured to fasten the fastening device 110, and therefore the outboard drive 100, to the boat 1. It furthermore comprises a rocker unit 112 which is pivotable about a predetermined transverse axis Q about the fastening unit 113 and which is configured to hold the shaft unit 160 (see
The trim position of the outboard drive 100 is adjustable in the present case, in order, in the case of different boatS1 which have different inclinations of their transom 3 with respect to the horizontal, in each case to be able to achieve the best possible orientation of the propeller unit 152, more precisely of the propeller axiS155, as close as possible to 0° with respect to the water surface. For this purpose, the fastening unit 113 comprises a plurality of trimming boreS115, into which a trimming pin 116 can be inserted. The rocker unit 112 bears against the trimming pin 116 in the trim position. As a result of the choice of the trimming bore 115, the position of the rocker unit 112 relative to the fastening unit 113 can thus be adapted, in order thus to achieve an optimal orientation of the propeller axiS155 in the trim position.
A lever unit 104 is arranged on the rocker unit 112, by means of which lever unit the rocker unit 112 can be positioned alternatively in one of a plurality of different pivot positions with respect to the fastening unit 113.
Firstly, the rocker unit 112 can be positioned in the above-described trim position by means of the lever unit 104, as described in more detail later with respect to
Furthermore, the rocker unit 112 can be positioned via the lever unit 104 with respect to the fastening unit 113 in a plurality of, in the present case, four different shallow water positions, as illustrated in
Furthermore, the rocker unit 112 can be positioned via the lever unit 104 with respect to the fastening unit 113 in two different tilt positions according to this exemplary embodiment, as can be gathered, for example, from
For the operation of the lever unit 104, the latter comprises a handle 140 which can be operated manually.
According to this optional embodiment, the lever unit 104 comprises two lever memberS141, 142. A first lever member 141 is arranged pivotably on the rocker unit 112 on one side via a pivotable connection 148. On the other side of the first lever member 141, the first lever member 141 is connected pivotably to a second lever member 142 via a pivotable connection 143. The second lever member 142 is guided on the rocker unit 112 at a distance from the pivotable connection 148 via a slotted guide 145. In the present case, the slotted guide 145 is realized in the form of a groove which runs along a predetermined guide track in the second lever member 142 and in which a guide pin 146 which is arranged on the rocker unit 112 is guided.
The lever unit 104 furthermore comprises a pretensioning mechanism for pretensioning the lever unit 104 in a predetermined direction. In the present case, the pretensioning mechanism is formed by a pretensioning spring 144 which is arranged about the pivotable connection 148 and which is supported on the rocker unit 112 and pretensions the first lever member 141 in a direction of rotation D 1 in the direction of the trim bolt 116.
In
In
The lever unit 104 is pretensioned into the position shown in
In the sectional illustration of the fastening device 110 shown in
In order to permanently provide the run-on protection, the lever unit 104 can be locked in the run-on protection position. For this purpose, a locking receptacle 147 for receiving the guide element 146 guided in the slotted guide 145 is arranged at the lower end of the slotted guide 145. If the guide element 146 is received in the locking receptacle 147, the lever unit 104 is locked in the run-on protection position. The pretensioning spring 144 pretensions the lever unit 104 into the run-on protection position.
In the trim position, the lever unit 104 can therefore be switched into the locking position in which the rocker unit 112 is fixed to the trim pin 116, that is to say in the trim position, so that forward travel and reverse travel of the boat can be operated.
In the trim position, the lever unit 104 can alternatively be switched into the run-on protection position in which the rocker unit 112 is supported on the trim pin in the first pivoting direction S1 and the rocker unit 112 can pivot in the second pivoting direction S2 since the lever unit is not in engagement with the trim pin 116 on the front-direction side thereof. As a result, forward travel and run-on protection can be provided.
As can be seen from
Each shallow-water latching element receptacle 118 predefines a shallow-water position of the rocker unit 112, and each of the tilt latching element receptacleS117 predefines a tilt position, that is to say above-ground position, of the rocker unit 112.
The lever unit 104 comprises at least one latching element 143 which is designed here in the manner of a pin and which here likewise represents the bearing axis via which the first and the second lever member 141, 142 are mounted pivotably with respect to one another. The lever unit 104 is designed to be switched into a latching position in which it is in engagement with the latching element 143 with one of the shallow-water latching element receptacleS118 or in one of the tilt latching element receptacles.
In the sectional illustration shown in
The sectional illustration shown in
The lever unit 104 is pretensioned with its latching element 143 into the shallow-water latching element receptacle 118 by the pretensioning spring 144.
The position shown in
The two shallow-water latching receptacleS118 arranged below the shallow-water latching element receptacle 118, which is in engagement with the latching element 143 in
In the sectional view of the fastening device 110 shown in
Analogously to the shallow-water positions, the rocker unit 112 is in turn supported on the latching pin 143 via the support section 119 and on the tilt latching element receptacle 117 via the latter. The lever unit 104 is in a latching position or is switched into the latter. The pretensioning spring 144 pretensions the lever unit 104 into the tilt latching element receptacle 117.
The shallow-water latching element receptacleS118 and the lower tilt latching element receptacle 117 are designed in such a way that, in the correctly fastened state in which the outboard drive 100 is fastened to the boat 1 by means of the attachment device 110, the rocker unit 112 can pivot on the rear-direction side, that is to say in the second pivoting direction S2, if a resulting pivoting moment Mr (see
The outboard drive 200 comprises a fastening device 210 which can be, for example, the fastening device 110 according to the above-described first embodiment, but is not restricted thereto.
The outboard drive 200 furthermore comprises a drive unit 250 which is arranged on the fastening device 210 so as to be rotatable about a steering angle rotation axiS251. The fastening device 210 and the drive unit 250 are designed such that they can be coupled to one another via an adjustment part 270 for adjusting a steering angle range of the drive unit 250. At least three different steering angle ranges of the drive unit 250 relative to the fastening device 210 can be adjusted by switching the adjustment part 270.
For this purpose, the adjustment part 270 can be changed between three predetermined adjustment positions in the present case, which are shown in
In each of the predetermined adjustment positions of the adjustment part 270, a respective different steering angle range of the drive unit 250, more precisely of the shaft 261 and thus of the propeller unit 252, relative to the fastening device 210 is predetermined.
According to this embodiment, the adjustment part 270 is arranged on the fastening device 210 and interacts with associated receiving portionS273, 274 on the shaft head 262 in two of the three aforementioned adjustment positions. For this purpose, the adjustment part 270 comprises a coupling portion 272, designed as a cylinder pin in the present case, for example, by means of which it can be coupled to the receiving portionS273, 274 for predetermining a respective steering angle range.
In order to predetermine the steering angle and the driving step, the outboard motor 200 here optionally comprises a pin 220 which is arranged on the shaft head 262. On the rear side, the shaft head 262 optionally comprises a battery holder for receiving the battery unit 253 (see
In
In the first (upper) adjustment position, the adjustment part 270 can be coupled to the first receiving portion 274, as a result of which a first steering angle range is predetermined.
As in the present case here, the first receiving portion 274 can be designed as a bore and the first steering angle range can be 0°. In other words, the first steering angle range is optionally limited to 0° here. The drive unit 250 or the shaft 261 are therefore locked in a fixed position. As in the present case here, this can represent a locking in the longitudinal direction L. As a result, the drive unit 250 is locked in a straight-ahead position. This position can be advantageous, for example, for transporting the boat 1 and/or the outboard drive 200. Furthermore, this position can be selected if steering movements of the boat 1 are intended to be predefined not via the steering angle position of the drive unit 250 but rather via separate means, such as for example a rudder of the boat 1.
In
Here, the steering angle range is predefined, for example, to ±60° with respect to the longitudinal direction L which represents the straight-ahead position. The entire possible steering angle from a lateral end stop 277 to the opposite end stop 277 (see
In
The outboard drive 300 comprises a fastening device 310 for fastening the outboard drive 300 to a boat 1, and a drive unit 350 which is arranged on the fastening device 310 so as to be rotatable about a steering angle rotation axiS251.
The outboard drive 300 can be converted between a pinning steering mode (see
In the pinning steering mode, or synonymously pinning steering configuration, as can be gathered from
As described in more detail for the following embodiment, the pin 320 can be arranged on the latter so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 322 relative to the shaft head 362.
The control flange 323 comprises a connection 325 for connection to a steering angle presetting unit 330. The steering angle presetting unit 330 comprises a steering rod 331 which is connected to the control flange 323 via a push rod 332 and which is displaceable relative to the fastening device 310 in a transverse direction Q which is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L which corresponds to the boat longitudinal direction in the correctly fastened state in which the outboard drive 300 is fastened to the boat 1 by means of the fastening device 310, wherein the steering rod 331 is optionally guided on the fastening device 310.
Analogously to the first embodiment, the fastening device 311 comprises a rocker unit 312 which is configured to hold the drive unit 350 and which is pivotable about a predetermined transverse axis Q relative to the fastening unit 312 comprising the mirror mount 311.
The steering rod 331 can, as shown here, be guided centrally with respect to the predetermined transverse axis Q. In the present case, this is realized by guiding the steering rod 331 in a hollow shaft 335 which defines the transverse axis Q.
The control flange 323 is fastened in the pin receptacle 321 via a fastening element 333, here optionally in the form of a screw, on the connection 325 provided for realizing the pivot axis 322 of the pin 320. In addition, the control flange 323 is fastened on the pin receptacle 321 via a fastening element 333, here optionally likewise in the form of a screw, on a further connection 326 at a distance from the connection 325 in order to be able to transmit torques.
As can be gathered from
The outboard drive 400 comprises a fastening device 410 for fastening the outboard drive to the boat 1, and a drive unit 450 which comprises a shaft 461 and which is arranged on the fastening device 410 so as to be rotatable about a steering angle rotation axis 451 via the shaft 461, wherein the drive unit 450 comprises a pin 420 which is arranged on the drive unit 450 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 422, more precisely pivotably on a shaft head 462 of the shaft 461.
The pin 420 can be changed between a normal position which is provided for operating the outboard drive 400, or synonymously operating position, and a transport position which is provided for transporting the outboard drive. In the normal position the pin 420 is prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis 422 in the direction of the fastening device 410, that is to say in the direction of the water line W or boat hull 2 (see
The pin 420 can be folded between two mirror holding arms 414 of the fastening device 410 in the transport position. The width of the pin 420 can be formed in the region of the mirror holding arms 414 in a manner corresponding to an opening present between the mirror holding arms 414. As a result, the mirror holding arms 414 represent lateral stops for the pin 420. Accordingly, the drive unit 450 cannot be rotated about the steering angle rotation axis 451, but is fixed in the predetermined position, here the zero position with 0° of rotation angle with respect to the longitudinal direction L.
Arranged on the drive unit 450, according to this embodiment on the shaft head 462 of the shaft 461, is a locking part 480 which is configured for selectively locking the pin 420 against pivoting in the direction of the fastening device 410 and releasing the pin for a pivoting movement into the parking position.
In
The locking part 480 is, without being restricted thereto, designed as a lever which can be pivoted about a locking part pivot axis 486 between the locking position and the release position. The locking part 480 can be pretensioned in the direction of the locking position by a pretensioning unit, not shown here, for example in the form of a spring, for instance designed as a spiral spring, compression spring, tension spring or leaf spring, or in the form of a magnet unit. Accordingly, the locking part 480 always strives to move into the locking position and can be moved from the locking position into the release position only by overcoming the pretensioning force provided by the pretensioning unit. In order to change the locking part 480 from the locking position into the release position and/or from the release position into the locking position, the locking part 480 can comprise an actuating unit, for example in the form of the handle 485 shown here.
The locking part 480 comprises a contact region 488 which is designed in a manner corresponding to a contact region 487 on the pin 420. In the locking position, the contact region 488 engages in the contact region 487 on the pin 420 in order thus to provide the locking.
According to this embodiment, the contact region 488 on the locking part 480 is formed by a stop 482 which, in the locking position, strikes a stop 481 which represents the contact region 487 on the pin 420. Furthermore, the locking part 480 comprises a contact surface 484 with which, in the locking position, it is in contact with a correspondingly designed contact surface 483 on the pin 420.
The locking part 480 can optionally be designed in such a way that the pin 420 can be pivoted out of the normal position into the second pivoting direction, that is to say upward here, when a breakaway torque acting on the pin 480 is exceeded in a second pivoting direction which is directed counter to the first pivoting direction directed in the direction of the fastening device 410. Alternatively or additionally, a brake unit can be provided for this purpose.
The brake unit 490 comprises a bearing part 492 which at least partially forms a part, in this case the lower half, of the mounting of the pin 420 about the pivot axis element 427. The bearing part 492 is fastened to the pin 420 on a first side with respect to the pivot axis 422 via at least one fastening screw 493, in this case two fastening screws 493.
On the second side opposite the first side, the bearing part 492 is screwed to the pin 420 via the adjusting screw 491. By adjusting the position of the adjusting screw, the pressing or clamping force applied to the pivot axis element 427 by the bearing part 492 and the pin 420 can be changed. The pressing or clamping force causes an adhesive and frictional force between the radially inner contact surfaces of pin 420 and bearing part 492, on the one hand, and the radially outer contact surface of the pivot axis element 427.
The brake unit 490 therefore represents a parking brake which holds the pin 420 in the adjusted position, that is to say locks it, by clamping force and, after overcoming the adhesive force, permits pivoting of the pin 420 counter to the frictional force provided via the brake unit 490.
When the locking part 480 is positioned in the locking position, the pin 420 can be raised from the normal position up to a predefined maximum lifting angle, that is to say a maximum raised position, in the second pivoting direction.
The brake unit 490 additionally holds the pin 420 in the parking position via frictional force or adhesive force, therefore locks it in the parking position and prevents it from undesired pivoting about the pivot axis 422 in the second direction, that is to say out of the provided parking position.
To the extent applicable, all individual features which are illustrated in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and/or replaced without departing from the scope of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102023130679.0 | Nov 2023 | DE | national |
