PUMP DEVICE AND SHIP PROPULSION MACHINE

Abstract

A first or second shaft of a pump device is provided with a first axial hole opening from one end to an inner periphery of a second or first pump portion along an axial direction and a radial hole penetrating the first or second shaft from the first axial hole in a radial direction. The first pump portion includes a first drive gear and a second driven gear. The second pump portion includes a first driven gear and a second drive gear. A switching mechanism of the pump device includes a switching operation portion provided in the first axial hole so as to be movable along the axial direction, and a switching member body configured to appear and disappear from the radial hole as the switching operation portion is displaced.

Description

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-003670, filed on Jan. 15, 2024, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a pump device and a ship propulsion machine provided with the pump device.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known that a pump device is mounted on a ship propulsion machine in order to swing the ship propulsion machine above the water surface when the ship is anchored, or to adjust the angle of the hull with respect to the water surface when the ship is traveling. JP2016-169658A discloses a technique related to such a pump device and a ship propulsion machine in the related art.

The pump device disclosed in JP2016-169658A includes two shafts that are provided in parallel with each other, and two pump portions that are supported on these shafts and that can pump liquid together. When the shaft is rotated by the drive source and liquid is pumped from the pump portion into the cylinder, the piston and the piston rod in the cylinder are displaced. The piston rod is displaced, so that the outboard motor, which is swingably supported, swings to a predetermined position.

When the outboard motor is swung to a position above the water surface, the outboard motor, which is a heavy object, is largely displaced by pumping liquid from the two pump portions into the cylinder. On the other hand, in a case in which the angle of the hull with respect to the water surface is adjusted when the ship is traveling, the adjustment is performed by pumping liquid from one pump portion into the cylinder.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the pump device disclosed in JP2016-169658A, even when the angle of the hull is adjusted, the two pump portions rotate together, and liquid is pumped to the cylinder from only one of the pump portions. On the other hand, the hydraulic fluid sent from the other of the pump portions flows while bypassing the cylinder. In this case, since the hydraulic fluid sent from the other of the pump portions does not contribute to the swing of the outboard motor, energy for circulating the hydraulic fluid is wasted. There is room for improvement in this regard.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to providing a technique capable of improving the energy efficiency of a pump device.

It is found in developing the present disclosure that providing a switching member configured to switch between an on mode in which one of the pump portion pumps liquid and an off mode in which it does not pump liquid may enable the two pump portions to operate only when they are needed and one pump portion to stop when they are not needed.

The present disclosure is described as follows.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provide a pump device including:

• • a first shaft that is a shaft member that rotates as a drive source operates;
  • a second shaft that is a shaft member rotatably provided in parallel to the first shaft;
  • a first pump portion and a second pump portion supported on the first shaft and the second shaft and configured to send a hydraulic fluid; and
  • a switching mechanism configured to switch between an on mode in which the second pump portion pumps liquid and an off mode in which the second pump portion does not pump liquid,
  • in which the second shaft is provided with a first axial hole opening from one end to an inner periphery of the first pump portion along an axial direction and a radial hole penetrating the second shaft from the first axial hole in a radial direction, or the first shaft is provided with a first axial hole opening from the other end to an inner periphery of the second pump portion along the axial direction and a radial hole penetrating the first shaft from the first axial hole in the radial direction,
  • in which the first pump portion includes
    • a first drive gear that is a gear rotating integrally with the first shaft, and
    • a second driven gear that is provided on the second shaft and that meshes with the first drive gear,
  • in which the second pump portion includes
    • a first driven gear that is a gear rotatable relative to the first shaft, and
    • a second drive gear that is a gear rotating integrally with the second shaft and meshing with the first driven gear, and
  • in which a switching mechanism includes
    • a switching operation portion provided in the first axial hole so as to be movable along the axial direction, and
    • a switching member body configured to appear and disappear from the radial hole as the switching operation portion is displaced, to be in the on mode as a part of the switching member body protrudes from the radial hole, and to be in the off mode as the switching member body is inserted into the radial hole.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a pump device with improved energy efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a state in which a ship provided with a pump device according to an embodiment 1 is anchored;

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which the ship shown in FIG. 1A is traveling;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a cylinder device and a tilt and trim device for displacing a ship propulsion machine body shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the cylinder device and the tilt and trim device that are shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pump device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pump device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a switching mechanism in an on mode;

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the switching mechanism in an off mode;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pump device according to an embodiment 2;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pump device according to an embodiment 3; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a switching operation portion shown in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments.

Embodiment 1

Reference is made to FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A shows a ship 10 in a stopped state. FIG. 1B shows the ship 10 in a traveling state.

The ship 10 includes, for example, a hull 11 on which an occupant is on board, a steering device 12 that is provided at the front portion of the hull 11 and that controls the traveling direction of the hull 11, and a ship propulsion machine 20 that can rotate in the horizontal direction by operating the steering device 12. By operating the steering device 12 and adjusting the orientation of the ship propulsion machine 20, the traveling direction of the hull 11 can be controlled.

In addition to the above, the ship 10 may include a switch for swinging the ship propulsion machine 20 up and down, a sensor that detects the operation of this switch, a speed sensor, a control unit that receives information detected by these sensors in the form of electrical signals, and the like.

The ship propulsion machine 20 includes a ship propulsion machine body 21 as a power source that is swingable in the upper-lower direction. A propeller 21a is provided at the lower portion of the ship propulsion machine body 21. The ship propulsion machine body 21 is swung such that the propeller 21a is displaced to a position above the water surface when the ship 10 is anchored. On the other hand, when the ship 10 is traveling, the propeller 21a is located underwater. By rotating the propeller 21a, the hull 11 moves forward or backward.

Reference is made to FIG. 2. A cylinder device 22 for swinging the ship propulsion machine body 21 in the upper-lower direction is connected to the ship propulsion machine body 21 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). The cylinder device 22 is operated by a tilt and trim device 23. In other words, the tilt and trim device 23 serves as the drive source for the cylinder device 22.

Reference is made to FIG. 3. The cylinder device 22 includes a cylindrical cylinder 22a filled with oil, a piston 22b that partitions the inside of the cylinder 22a into a first chamber R1 and a second chamber R2, and a piston rod 22c having one end portion fixed to the piston 22b and the other end portion extending to the outside of the cylinder 22a. The ship propulsion machine body 21 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) is connected to the other end portion of the piston rod 22c.

The tilt and trim device 23 includes a drive source 23a implemented by a motor, and a pump device 30 that pumps liquid by operating the drive source 23a.

When the pump device 30 is operated by the drive source 23a, oil is sent to the first chamber R1 or the second chamber R2. When oil is sent to the first chamber R1, the piston 22b and the piston rod 22c move backward, and when oil is sent to the second chamber R2, the piston 22b and the piston rod 22c move forward.

Reference is also made to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The piston rod 22c moves forward, so that the ship propulsion machine body 21 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) swings in a direction in which the propeller 21a rises. The piston rod 22c moves backward, so that the ship propulsion machine body 21 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) swings in a direction in which the propeller 21a descends.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4 and 5. The pump device 30 includes a housing 31 in which an oil flow path is formed, a first shaft 32 that is rotatably supported on the housing 31 and that rotates by operating the drive source 23a, a second shaft 33 that is rotatably provided in parallel to the first shaft 32, a first pump portion 40 and a second pump portion 50 that are supported on the first shaft 32 and the second shaft 33 and that can send oil (hydraulic fluid), and a switching mechanism 60 that can switch between an on mode in which the second pump portion 50 pumps liquid and an off mode in which the second pump portion 50 does not pump liquid.

Reference is made only to FIG. 4. The pump device 30 includes a first pressure generation mechanism 70 capable of displacing the switching mechanism 60 in a first direction, which is one direction (upward in the drawing) along an axis C2, a first spring 36 that biases the switching mechanism 60 in a second direction, which is a reverse direction (downward in the drawing) to the first direction, a second spring 37 that abuts against one end of the switching mechanism 60 and that biases the switching mechanism 60 in the second direction, and a pressure adjusting plug 38 that abuts against the other end of the second spring 37.

The housing 31 includes, for example, a plurality of blocks. Each block is formed with a hole into which the first shaft 32 and the second shaft 33 are inserted, and a recess into which the first pump portion 40 and the second pump portion 50 are housed. Each block is formed with a flow path for supplying oil to the first pump portion 40 and the second pump portion 50 and a flow path through which oil to be pumped to the first chamber R1 and the second chamber R2 passes.

The first shaft 32 is a round bar-shaped member, and rotates about an axis C1 by operating the drive source 23a. The first shaft 32 may rotate in both forward and reverse directions.

The second shaft 33 is connected to the first pump portion 40 via the switching mechanism 60, or is disconnected from the first pump portion 40. When the second shaft 33 is connected to the first pump portion 40, the second shaft 33 rotates about the axis C2 by operating the first pump portion 40. When the second shaft 33 is disconnected from the first pump portion 40, the second shaft 33 does not rotate even when the first pump portion 40 is operated.

The second shaft 33 has holes that are opened at a plurality of locations. The holes that are opened at the plurality of locations are a first axial hole 33a that is formed from one end (the end portion that is closer to the first pump portion 40 than to the second pump portion 50) to the inner periphery of the first pump portion 40 along the axial direction, a radial hole 33b that penetrates from the first axial hole 33a in the radial direction, and a second axial hole 33c that penetrates from the other end (the end portion that is closer to the second pump portion 50 than to the first pump portion 40) to the first axial hole 33a along the axial direction.

A groove is formed at the end portion on one end side of the first axial hole 33a, and a stop ring 39 is fixed to prevent the switching mechanism 60 from slipping out of the first axial hole 33a. The first axial hole 33a has a large inner diameter at a location where the first spring 36 is housed, and has a small inner diameter at a location corresponding to the inner periphery of the first pump portion 40. The location where the inner diameter changes is formed in a step shape, and serves as a receiving portion for the first spring 36. The diameter of the first axial hole 33a is larger than that of the second axial hole 33c at the boundary portion. The amount of movement of the switching mechanism 60 in the first direction can be defined by the step formed thereby. That is, the step formed at the boundary portion between the first axial hole 33a and the second axial hole 33c serves as a stopper for the switching mechanism 60.

The radial holes 33b are cylindrical holes having a constant inner diameter, and are formed at a plurality of locations.

The second axial hole 33c has a large inner diameter at a location on the other end side and a small inner diameter at a location on the one end side. The location having a large inner diameter is formed into a female screw shape.

The first pump portion 40 is a gear pump, and includes a first drive gear 41 that is a gear rotating integrally with the first shaft 32, and a second driven gear 42 that is provided on the second shaft 33 and that meshes with the first drive gear 41.

For example, when the first shaft 32 rotates forward, the first pump portion 40 pumps liquid toward the first chamber R1 (see FIG. 3), and when the first shaft 32 rotates reversely, the first pump portion 40 pumps liquid toward the second chamber R2 (see FIG. 3).

The first drive gear 41 may be formed integrally with the first shaft 32, or may be formed as a separate member and fixed to the first shaft 32. The first shaft 32 rotates, so that the first drive gear 41 rotates about the axis C1 of the first shaft 32.

The second driven gear 42 is rotatable independently of the second shaft 33. A plurality of recesses 42a that are recessed in a spherical shape are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second driven gear 42. The first drive gear 41 rotates, so that the second driven gear 42 rotates about the axis C2 of the second shaft 33. The first drive gear 41 and the second driven gear 42 rotate, so that the oil filled inside the housing 31 is sent toward the cylinder 22a (see FIG. 3).

The second pump portion 50 is a gear pump, and includes a first driven gear 51 that is a gear rotatable relative to the first shaft 32, and a second drive gear 52 that is a gear rotating integrally with the second shaft 33 and meshing with the first driven gear 51.

The second shaft 33 rotates, so that the second pump portion 50 operates and pumps liquid. On the other hand, the second pump portion 50 does not operate when the second shaft 33 does not rotate. Hereinafter, a state in which the second pump portion 50 operates is referred to as an on mode, and a state in which the second pump portion 50 does not operate is referred to as an off mode.

For example, in the on mode, when the first shaft 32 rotates forward, the second pump portion 50 pumps liquid toward the first chamber R1 (see FIG. 3), and when the first shaft 32 rotates reversely, the second pump portion 50 pumps liquid toward the second chamber R2 (see FIG. 3). In the off mode, the second pump portion 50 does not pump liquid even when the first shaft 32 rotates.

The first driven gear 51 may be a gear the same as the second driven gear 42. Even when the first shaft 32 is rotating, the first driven gear 51 does not rotate when the second shaft 33 is not rotating. That is, it can be said that the first driven gear 51 is relatively rotatably provided on the first shaft 32.

The second drive gear 52 may be formed integrally with the second shaft 33, or may be formed as a separate member and fixed to the second shaft 33. The second shaft 33 rotates, so that the second drive gear 52 rotates about the axis C2 of the second shaft 33.

The second drive gear 52 and the first driven gear 51 rotate, so that the oil filled inside the housing 31 is sent toward the cylinder 22a (see FIG. 3).

The switching mechanism 60 includes a switching operation portion 61 that is provided in the first axial hole 33a so as to be movable along the axial direction, and a switching member body 62 that can appear and disappear from the radial hole 33b as the switching operation portion 61 is displaced.

The switching operation portion 61 includes a base portion 61a that is located on one end side and that is provided with a seal 63 on the outer peripheral surface thereof, a small diameter portion 61b that is formed continuously from the base portion 61a and whose distal end is located on the inner periphery of the first pump portion 40, and a large diameter portion 61c that is formed continuously from the small diameter portion 61b and that has a larger outer diameter than the small diameter portion 61b.

In the state shown in the drawing, the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 61c abuts against the switching member body 62. When the switching operation portion 61 is displaced in the first direction (upward in the drawing), the small diameter portion 61b is located inside the switching member body 62.

The switching member body 62 has a spherical shape. In the state shown in the drawing, the switching member body 62 is fitted into the recess 42a of the second driven gear 42. The number of switching member bodies 62 is preferably smaller than the number of recesses 42a. In other words, the number of recesses 42a is preferably larger than the number of switching member bodies 62. This is because switching to the on mode can be performed more quickly.

Reference is made to FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A shows the pump device 30 in a state in which the switching member body 62 is fitted into the recess 42a. When the second driven gear 42 rotates in a state in which the switching member body 62 is fitted into the recess 42a, the rotating force is transmitted to the second shaft 33 via the switching mechanism 60. Accordingly, the second shaft 33 rotates, and the second pump portion 50 may be operated.

On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows the pump device 30 in a state in which the switching member body 62 is disengaged from the recess 42a. When the second driven gear 42 rotates in the state in which the switching member body 62 is disengaged from the recess 42a, the rotating force is not transmitted to the second shaft 33. Therefore, the second shaft 33 does not rotate, and the second pump portion 50 does not operate.

To summarize the above, the state shown in FIG. 6A can be said to be a state of the on mode in which the second pump portion 50 pumps liquid, and the state shown in FIG. 6B can be said to be a state of the off mode in which the second pump portion 50 does not pump liquid.

The switching mechanism 60 connects the second driven gear 42 and the second shaft 33 to each other to enter the on mode by causing a part of the switching member body 62 to protrude from the radial hole 33b. On the other hand, when the switching member body 62 is inserted into the radial hole 33b, the connection between the second driven gear 42 and the second shaft 33 is released, and the off mode is established.

Reference is made to FIG. 4. The switching operation portion 61 is displaced in the first direction by the hydraulic pressure applied from the first pressure generation mechanism 70, and is displaced in the second direction by the biasing force received from the springs 36 and 37.

The first pressure generation mechanism 70 includes a first hydraulic chamber H1 that is formed at a position adjacent to the housing 31 so as to face one end of the second shaft 33 and that is filled with oil. The first hydraulic chamber H1 is a space that is surrounded by the housing 31 and a lid portion 72 overlapping one end of the housing 31.

For example, the first hydraulic chamber H1 may be connected to a flow path downstream of the first pump portion 40 or a flow path upstream of the first pump portion 40. A valve for opening and closing the flow path and a control unit for controlling the valve may be provided in these flow paths.

Reference is also made to FIGS. 6A and 6B. When switching from the on mode (see FIG. 6A) to the off mode (see FIG. 6B), oil is pumped from the first pump portion 40 into the first hydraulic chamber H1. Accordingly, the hydraulic pressure in the first hydraulic chamber H1 increases, and the switching operation portion 61 is displaced against the biasing force of the springs 36 and 37. The switching operation portion 61 is displaced, so that the small diameter portion 61b is moved to the inside of the switching member body 62, and the connected state is released to enter the off mode.

On the other hand, when switching from the off mode (see FIG. 6B) to the on mode (see FIG. 6A), pumping liquid from the first pump portion 40 into the first hydraulic chamber H1 is stopped, and the flow path that connects the first hydraulic chamber H1 to the upstream of the first pump portion 40 is opened. Accordingly, the biasing force of the springs 36 and 37 causes the switching operation portion 61 to move backward, and is displaced to a position where the large diameter portion 61c abuts against the switching member body 62. The large diameter portion 61c abuts against the switching member body 62, so that the switching member body 62 is pushed radially outward, and a part thereof protrudes from the radial hole 33b. Accordingly, the second shaft 33 and the first driven gear 51 are connected to each other, and the on mode is established.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4. As shown in FIG. 1A, in a case in which the ship propulsion machine body 21 is swung when the ship 10 is anchored, the switching mechanism 60 is in the on mode and operates both the first pump portion 40 and the second pump portion 50. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1B, in a case in which the ship propulsion machine body 21 is swung when the ship 10 is traveling, the switching mechanism 60 is in the off mode and operates only the first pump portion 40.

Switching between the on mode and the off mode can be performed by, for example, a control unit that receives information related to the switch operation or information related to the traveling speed of the ship 10 opening and closing the valve provided in the flow path.

Reference is made to FIG. 4. The first spring 36 is, for example, a compression coil spring, one end of which abuts against the inside of the second shaft 33 and the other end of which abuts against the switching operation portion 61.

The second spring 37 is, for example, a compression coil spring, one end of which abuts against the pressure adjusting plug 38 and the other end of which abuts against the switching operation portion 61.

The pressure adjusting plug 38 is implemented by a set screw, and is displaced along the axis C2 by being rotated. By adjusting the position of the pressure adjusting plug 38, the compression amount of the second spring 37 can be adjusted. By adjusting the compression amount of the second spring 37, the biasing force of the switching operation portion 61 in the second direction can be adjusted.

Embodiment 2

Next, an embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings.

Reference is made to FIG. 7. A pump device 30A according to the embodiment 2 is different from the pump device 30 shown in FIG. 4 in the configuration of a switching mechanism 60A. A second pressure generation mechanism 80A is provided. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the pump device 30 described above. Components common to those of the pump device 30 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

The second shaft 33A has a second axial hole 33Ac that penetrates from the other end to a first axial hole 33Aa along the axial direction.

In the switching operation portion 61A of the switching mechanism 60A, a small diameter portion 61Ab and a large diameter portion 61Ac are continuously formed in the order of the small diameter portion 61Ab and the large diameter portion 61Ac with the distal end of the switching operation portion 61A as a reference. The switching operation portion 61A includes a seal member 65A that is provided on the outer peripheral surface and that seals a gap between the switching operation portion 61A and the inner peripheral surface of the first axial hole 33Aa.

The second pressure generation mechanism 80A can press the second shaft 33A in the second direction by the hydraulic pressure. The second pressure generation mechanism 80A includes a second hydraulic chamber H2 that is provided at the other end of the second shaft 33A and that is filled with oil. The second hydraulic chamber H2 is a space that is surrounded by the housing 31 and a lid portion 82A overlapping the other end of the housing 31.

For example, the second hydraulic chamber H2 may be connected to a flow path downstream of the first pump portion 40 or a flow path upstream of the first pump portion 40. A valve for opening and closing the flow path and a control unit for controlling the valve may be provided in these flow paths.

The pump device 30A is in the off mode in a state in which the first pressure generation mechanism 70 is not operating (a state in which no pressure is applied to the first hydraulic chamber H1). On the other hand, the first pressure generation mechanism 70 operates and the switching operation portion 61A moves forward, so that the large diameter portion 61Ac comes into contact with the switching member body 62 and the on mode is established.

Embodiment 3

Next, an embodiment 3 will be described with reference to the drawings.

Reference is made to FIGS. 8 and 9. A pump device 30B according to the embodiment 3 is different from the pump device 30 shown in FIG. 4 in the configuration of a switching mechanism 60B. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the pump device 30 described above. Components common to those of the pump device 30 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

In the switching mechanism 60B, a body support portion 66B is provided between the switching operation portion 61B and the switching member body 62B, into which the distal end of the switching operation portion 61B is inserted and which supports the switching member body 62B. The body support portion 66B can extend in the radial direction. An O-ring 67B that biases the body support portion 66B toward the axis C2 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the body support portion 66B.

A plurality of switching member bodies 62B are provided and each has a substantially cylindrical pin shape. On the other hand, a recess 42Ba having a concave shape along the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the switching member body 62B is formed on the inner peripheral surface of a second driven gear 42B.

The body support portion 66B is cylindrical in shape, with the flat surfaces of two semi-cylindrical parts mated together. The location of the inner peripheral surface of the body support portion 66B that comes into contact with the distal end of the switching operation portion 61B is a tapered surface portion 66Ba that tapers toward the distal end. The body support portion 66B has an insertion hole 66Bb that is opened in the radial direction so that the switching member body 62B can be inserted therein.

When the switching operation portion 61B moves forward in a state of being in contact with the tapered surface portion 66Ba, the body support portion 66B expands in the radial direction because the tapered surface portion 66Ba tapers toward the distal end. Accordingly, the switching member body 62B that is supported on the body support portion 66B protrudes radially outward, and is in the on mode.

On the other hand, when the switching operation portion 61B moves backward, the tapered surface portion 66Ba expands toward the one end side of the second shaft 33, and thus the body support portion 66B is displaced toward the axis C2 by the biasing force of the O-ring 67B. The switching member body 62B is inserted into the radial hole 33b, and is in the off mode.

The pump devices 30, 30A, and 30B described above are summarized below.

Reference is made to FIG. 4. A pump device 30 according to a first aspect includes: a first shaft 32 that is a shaft member that rotates as a drive source 23a operates; a second shaft 33 that is a shaft member rotatably provided in parallel to the first shaft 32; a first pump portion 40 and a second pump portion 50 supported on the first shaft 32 and the second shaft 33 and configured to send a hydraulic fluid; and a switching mechanism 60 configured to switch between an on mode in which the second pump portion 50 pumps liquid and an off mode in which the second pump portion 50 does not pump liquid.

The second shaft 33 has a first axial hole 33a that is opened from one end to an inner periphery of the first pump portion 40 along an axial direction, and a radial hole 33b that penetrates from the first axial hole 33a in a radial direction.

The first pump portion 40 includes a first drive gear 41 that is a gear rotating integrally with the first shaft 32, and a second driven gear 42 that is provided on the second shaft 33 and that meshes with the first drive gear 41. The second pump portion 50 includes a first driven gear 51 that is a gear rotatable relative to the first shaft 32, and a second drive gear 52 that is a gear rotating integrally with the second shaft 33 and meshing with the first driven gear 51.

A switching mechanism 60 includes a switching operation portion 61 provided in the first axial hole 33a so as to be movable along the axial direction, and a switching member body 62 configured to appear and disappear from the radial hole 33b as the switching operation portion 61 is displaced, to be in the on mode as a part of the switching member body 62 protrudes from the radial hole 33b, and to be in the off mode as the switching member body 62 is inserted into the radial hole 33b. The same applies to the pump devices 30A (see FIG. 7) and 30B (see FIG. 8).

The switching mechanism 60 may be provided on the first shaft 32. At this time, the first shaft 32 has a first axial hole that is opened from the other end to an inner periphery of the second pump portion 50 along the axial direction, and a radial hole that penetrates from the first axial hole in the radial direction.

The pump device 30 includes a second driven gear 42 that is rotatable relative to the second shaft 33, and a switching mechanism 60 that performs switching to transmit or release the rotational force of the second driven gear 42 to the second shaft 33. Accordingly, in the off mode, the second pump portion 50 can be stopped without transmitting the rotating force of the second driven gear 42 to the second shaft 33. As compared with the case in which the second pump portion 50 is constantly operated to bypass the sent hydraulic fluid, since the fluid is not pumped from the second pump portion 50 in the off mode in the first place, the energy efficiency can be improved. It is possible to provide a pump device with improved energy efficiency.

The on mode and the off mode are switched by displacing the switching member body 62 in the radial direction. For example, the pump device 30 can be made compact in the axial direction as compared with a case in which the shaft member is displaced in the axial direction when switching on and off.

The pump device 30 according to a second aspect is directed to the first aspect, in which the first axial hole 33a is formed in the second shaft 33. That is, the switching mechanism 60 that is provided in the first axial hole 33a is provided on the second shaft 33. On the other hand, the first shaft 32 is rotated by the drive source 23a. If the switching mechanism 60 is provided on the first shaft 32, the switching operation portion 61 is displaced in the axial direction, and thus the vibration or the like when the switching operation portion 61 is displaced may be transmitted to the drive source 23a side. By providing the switching mechanism 60 on the second shaft 33, it is possible to reduce the influence on the drive source 23a at the time of the switching operation.

The pump device 30 according to a third aspect is directed to the first or second aspect, in which the switching member body 62 has a spherical shape, and in which the second driven gear 42 has a recess formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof in a concave shape such that the switching member body 62 is to be fitted. For example, as compared with a case in which spline fitting or the like is performed, the processing steps necessary for each component can be simplified, and the pump device 30 can be easily manufactured.

The pump device 30 according to a fourth aspect is directed to any one of the first to third aspects, and further includes: a first pressure generation mechanism 70 configured to generate a pressure inside the first axial hole 33a and to displace the switching operation portion 61 in a first direction that is a direction along an axis C2; and a first spring 36 provided in the first axial hole 33a and configured to bias the switching operation portion 61 in a second direction that is a reverse direction to the first direction. Switching between the on mode and the off mode can be quickly performed.

The pump device 30 according to a fifth aspect is directed to the fourth aspect, and further includes: a second spring 37 configured to abut against one end of the switching operation portion 61 and to bias the switching operation portion 61 in the second direction. The switching operation portion 61 can be biased with a larger force. Since the two springs 36 and 37 are provided using a place where the two springs 36 and 37 can be provided or a dead space, it is not necessary to increase the size of the pump device 30 in order to attain a necessary biasing force, which contributes to reducing the size of the pump device 30.

The pump device 30 according to a sixth aspect is directed to the fifth aspect, in which the second shaft 33 has a second axial hole 33c that penetrates from the other end to the first axial hole 33a along the axial direction. The pump device 30 further includes a pressure adjusting plug 38 that is provided inside the second axial hole 33c so as to be adjustable in position in the axial direction and that abuts against the other end of the second spring 37. A more appropriate biasing force can be applied to the switching operation portion 61.

Reference is made to FIG. 7. The pump device 30A according to a seventh aspect is directed to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and further includes: a second pressure generation mechanism 80A configured to press the second shaft 33A in the second direction. By applying the force in the second direction to the second shaft 33A, the sliding resistance between the second drive gear 52 and the housing 31 can be reduced, and the second pump portion 50 can be smoothly operated.

The pump device 30A according to an eighth aspect is directed to the seventh aspect, in which the first pressure generation mechanism 70 includes a first hydraulic chamber H1 that is provided at one end of the second shaft 33A and that is filled with oil. The second pressure generation mechanism 80A includes a second hydraulic chamber H2 that is provided at the other end of the second shaft 33A and that is filled with oil.

The second shaft 33A has a second axial hole 33Ac that penetrates from the other end to the first axial hole 33Aa. The switching operation portion 61A includes a seal member 65A provided on an outer peripheral surface and configured to seal a gap between the switching operation portion 61A and an inner peripheral surface of the first axial hole 33Aa.

By applying the force in the second direction to the switching operation portion 61A, the displacement of the switching operation portion 61A in the first direction can be stabilized.

Reference is made to FIG. 8. The pump device 30B according to a ninth aspect is directed to any one of the first, second, fourth, and eighth aspects, in which the switching member body 62B has a substantially cylindrical pin shape. The second driven gear 42B has a recess 42Ba formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof in a concave shape such that the switching member body 62B is to be fitted. In the on mode, the rotating force of the second driven gear 42B can be more reliably transmitted to the second shaft 33.

Reference is made to FIG. 4. The pump device 30 according to a tenth aspect is directed to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the switching operation portion 61 includes a small diameter portion 61b and a large diameter portion 61c that has a larger outer diameter than the small diameter portion 61b. The small diameter portion 61b and the large diameter portion 61c are both formed at positions that face the switching member body 62 by being continuous in an order of the large diameter portion 61c and the small diameter portion 61b with a distal end of the switching operation portion 61 as a reference and being displaced.

The switching member body protrudes from the radial hole 33b due to the large diameter portion 61c abutting against the switching member body and is to be inserted into the radial hole 33b when the small diameter portion 61b is located at an inner periphery.

When no force in the first direction is applied to the switching operation portion 61, the on mode can be established, and when the force in the first direction is applied, the off mode can be established.

Reference is made to FIG. 7. The pump device 30A according to an eleventh aspect is directed to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the switching operation portion 61A includes a small diameter portion 61Ab and a large diameter portion 61Ac that has a larger outer diameter than the small diameter portion 61Ab. The small diameter portion 61Ab and the large diameter portion 61Ac are both formed at positions that face the switching member body 62A by being continuous in an order of the small diameter portion 61Ab and the large diameter portion 61Ac with a distal end of the switching operation portion 61A as a reference and being displaced.

The switching member body 62A protrudes from the radial hole 33b due to the large diameter portion 61Ac abutting against the switching member body 62A and is to be inserted into the radial hole 33b when the small diameter portion 61Ab is located at an inner periphery.

When no force in the first direction is applied to the switching operation portion 61A, the off mode can be established, and when the force in the first direction is applied, the on mode can be established.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1A to 3. A ship propulsion machine 20 according to a twelfth aspect including the pump device 30 according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects includes: a ship propulsion machine body 21 including a propeller 21a; a cylinder device 22 including a cylinder 22a, a piston 22b configured to partition an inside of the cylinder 22a into a first chamber R1 and a second chamber R2, and a piston rod 22c that has an end portion fixed to the piston 22b and that extends from the cylinder 22a; and a tilt and trim device 23 configured to extend and contract the cylinder device 22. The pump device 30 is used in the tilt and trim device 23 to supply a hydraulic fluid into the cylinder device 22.

The embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, the switching operation portion 61A or the second pressure generation mechanism 80A shown in FIG. 7 may be used in the pump device 30 shown in FIG. 4. At this time, when the pressure adjusting plug 38 is provided, a through hole may be formed along the axis. Further, the second spring 37 shown in FIG. 4 or the second pressure generation mechanism 80A shown in FIG. 7 may be used in the pump device 30B shown in FIG. 8.

That is, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as long as the functions and effects of the present disclosure are achieved.

Claims

1. A pump device comprising: a first shaft that is a shaft member that rotates as a drive source operates;a second shaft that is a shaft member rotatably provided in parallel to the first shaft;a first pump portion and a second pump portion supported on the first shaft and the second shaft and configured to send a hydraulic fluid; anda switching mechanism configured to switch between an on mode in which the second pump portion pumps liquid and an off mode in which the second pump portion does not pump liquid,wherein the second shaft is provided with a first axial hole opening from one end to an inner periphery of the first pump portion along an axial direction and a radial hole penetrating the second shaft from the first axial hole in a radial direction, or the first shaft is provided with a first axial hole opening from the other end to an inner periphery of the second pump portion along the axial direction and a radial hole penetrating the first shaft from the first axial hole in the radial direction,wherein the first pump portion includes a first drive gear that is a gear rotating integrally with the first shaft, anda second driven gear that is provided on the second shaft and that meshes with the first drive gear,wherein the second pump portion includes a first driven gear that is a gear rotatable relative to the first shaft, anda second drive gear that is a gear rotating integrally with the second shaft and meshing with the first driven gear, andwherein a switching mechanism includes a switching operation portion provided in the first axial hole so as to be movable along the axial direction, anda switching member body configured to appear and disappear from the radial hole as the switching operation portion is displaced, to be in the on mode as a part of the switching member body protrudes from the radial hole, and to be in the off mode as the switching member body is inserted into the radial hole.

2. The pump device according to claim 1, wherein the second shaft is provided with the first axial hole.

3. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein the switching member body has a spherical shape, andwherein the second driven gear has a recess formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof in a concave shape such that the switching member body is to be fitted.

4. The pump device according to claim 2, further comprising: a first pressure generation mechanism configured to generate a pressure inside the first axial hole and to displace the switching operation portion in a first direction that is one direction along an axis; anda first spring provided in the first axial hole and configured to bias the switching operation portion in a second direction that is a reverse direction to the first direction.

5. The pump device according to claim 4, further comprising: a second spring configured to abut against one end of the switching operation portion and to bias the switching operation portion in the second direction.

6. The pump device according to claim 5, wherein the second shaft has a second axial hole that penetrates from the other end to the first axial hole along the axial direction, andwherein the pump device further comprises a pressure adjusting plug that is provided inside the second axial hole so as to be adjustable in position in the axial direction and that abuts against the other end of the second spring.

7. The pump device according to claim 4, further comprising: a second pressure generation mechanism configured to press the second shaft in the second direction.

8. The pump device according to claim 7, wherein the first pressure generation mechanism includes a first hydraulic chamber that is provided at one end of the second shaft and that is filled with oil,wherein the second pressure generation mechanism includes a second hydraulic chamber that is provided at the other end of the second shaft and that is filled with oil,wherein the second shaft has a second axial hole that penetrates from the other end to the first axial hole along the axial direction, andwherein the switching operation portion includes a seal member provided on an outer peripheral surface and configured to seal a gap between the switching operation portion and an inner peripheral surface of the first axial hole.

9. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein the switching member body has a substantially cylindrical pin shape, andwherein the second driven gear has a recess formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof in a concave shape such that the switching member body is to be fitted.

10. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein the switching operation portion includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion that has a larger outer diameter than the small diameter portion,wherein the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion are both formed at positions that face the switching member body by being continuous in an order of the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion with a distal end of the switching operation portion as a reference and being displaced, andwherein the switching member body protrudes from the radial hole due to the large diameter portion abutting against the switching member body and is to be inserted into the radial hole when the small diameter portion is located at an inner periphery.

11. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein the switching operation portion includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion that has a larger outer diameter than the small diameter portion,wherein the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion are both formed at positions that face the switching member body by being continuous in an order of the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion with a distal end of the switching operation portion as a reference and being displaced, andwherein the switching member body protrudes from the radial hole due to the large diameter portion abutting against the switching member body and is to be inserted into the radial hole when the small diameter portion is located at an inner periphery.

12. A ship propulsion machine including the pump device according to claim 1, the ship propulsion machine comprising: a ship propulsion machine body including a propeller;a cylinder device including a cylinder, a piston configured to partition an inside of the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber, and a piston rod that has an end portion fixed to the piston and that extends from the cylinder; anda tilt and trim device configured to extend and contract the cylinder device,wherein the pump device is used in the tilt and trim device to supply a hydraulic fluid into the cylinder device.