JP7275881B2 - Outboard motor air intake structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an intake structure for an outboard motor.

An outboard motor is provided with an engine cover that covers the engine, and animals may nest inside the engine cover while the outboard motor is left unused for a long period of time. Wild birds often nest in the engine cover, and if the nest is sucked into the engine compartment inside the engine cover, there is a risk of engine failure. As a countermeasure against building nests on the engine cover, it has been proposed to provide a plurality of ribs in the outside air intake opening on the outer surface of the engine cover, and to prevent animals from entering the engine cover from the intake opening by means of the plurality of ribs. (See Patent Document 1, for example).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-159378

The outboard motor disclosed in Patent Document 1 can prevent animals from nesting in the engine cover. A large impact. In addition, water droplets adhering to the ribs are difficult to flow off, and the water droplets are likely to be sucked into the engine cover, which may cause engine malfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an intake structure for an outboard motor that can prevent animals from nesting on the engine cover without spoiling the appearance of the engine cover or causing engine malfunction. for the purpose.

An intake structure for an outboard motor according to one aspect of the present invention is a boat including an engine cover having an engine compartment for housing an engine and an outside air introduction path for introducing outside air into the engine compartment above the engine compartment. In the air intake structure for an outside machine, the outside air introduction path continues to an intake opening for taking outside air into the engine cover and to an intake opening serving as an entrance to the engine room, and the intake of the outside air introduction path. The above problem is solved by disposing a nesting preventive device above the air inlet downstream of the air intake, and fixing the nesting preventive device to a boss projecting upward from the suction cylinder forming the air inlet. .

According to the intake structure for an outboard motor according to one aspect of the present invention, the nesting preventive device prevents animals from entering from the intake port to the intake port, thereby preventing animals from nesting in the engine cover. . Therefore, the user's burden regarding the maintenance of the outboard motor is reduced. In addition, the nesting prevention tool is not exposed to the outside through the opening, and the nesting prevention tool does not greatly affect the appearance of the engine cover. Furthermore, since the intake port is not provided with an obstacle, moisture attached to the obstacle is prevented from being sucked into the engine through the outside air introduction passage.

1 is a side view of the outboard motor of this embodiment; FIG. It is a perspective view of the engine cover of a comparative example. It is a perspective view of the upper cover of a present Example. It is a perspective view of the nesting prevention tool of a present Example. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air intake structure of the outboard motor of the present embodiment; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an upper cover of a modified example; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an intake structure for an outboard motor of a modified example;

An intake structure for an outboard motor according to one aspect of the present invention includes an engine compartment in which an engine is housed and an outside air introduction compartment (outside air introduction path) for introducing outside air into the engine compartment. The outside air introduction chamber has an intake port that takes in outside air and an intake port that serves as an entrance to the engine room. A nesting preventive device is placed in the outside air introduction chamber, and the animal's intrusion is suppressed by contacting the nesting preventive device with the animal moving from the intake port to the air intake port. In addition, by arranging the nesting prevention device downstream of the intake port of the outside air introduction chamber, the nesting prevention device is not exposed to the outside, and the nesting prevention device has a large impact on the appearance of the engine cover. do not have. Therefore, it is possible to prevent animals from nesting in the engine cover without spoiling the appearance. In addition, unlike the case where an obstacle is provided at the intake port to prevent nesting, moisture adhering to the obstacle will not be sucked into the engine through the outside air introduction chamber.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of the outboard motor of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an engine cover of a comparative example. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 shows a state in which the upper cover is broken. In the following figures, an arrow FR indicates the front of the outboard motor, an arrow RE indicates the rear of the outboard motor, an arrow L indicates the left side of the outboard motor, and an arrow R indicates the right side of the outboard motor.

As shown in FIG. 1, an outboard motor 1 is detachably attached to the stern of a boat or the like for use, and transmits the driving force of an engine 11 to a propeller 16 to generate propulsive force for the boat. The outer shell of the outboard motor 1 is formed by an engine cover 12 housing the engine 11 and the like, a shaft housing 13 extending downward from the engine cover 12 , and a gear case 14 provided below the shaft housing 13 . A mounting bracket 15 is provided on the outer surface of the shaft housing 13 for mounting the outboard motor 1 to the hull so that it can swing. A propeller 16 having a plurality of fins is attached to the gear case 14 .

The engine cover 12 is formed so as to be vertically divisible by an upper cover 17 and a lower cover 18 . The upper cover 17 is formed in a dome shape with an open bottom surface, and the lower cover 18 is formed in a box shape with an open top surface. The engine room 29 accommodates various accessories such as an intake/exhaust system and a fuel supply system together with the engine 11 . An outside air introduction chamber (outside air introduction path) 39 is formed in the upper cover 17 above the engine room 29 , and outside air is introduced into the engine room 29 from the outside of the engine cover 12 through the outside air introduction room 39 .

A crankcase 21 , a cylinder block 22 , and a cylinder head 23 are arranged in the engine room 29 from the front to the rear of the outboard motor 1 . Air is taken into the cylinder head 23 from a front air duct 25 in an engine room 29 via an intake manifold 24 . A throttle body 26 is provided in the middle of the air duct 25 to control the flow rate of the air taken in from the air duct 25 . In this way, the air in the engine room 29 is taken into the engine 11 through the air duct 25 , and the inside of the engine room 29 becomes negative pressure.

A drive shaft (not shown) connected to a crankshaft (not shown) of the engine 11 is vertically accommodated in the shaft housing 13 . A propeller shaft (not shown) connected to the drive shaft is horizontally housed in the gear case 14 . The propeller shaft protrudes rearward from the gear case 14 , and the propeller 16 is attached to the projecting portion of the gear case 14 . Rotation of the drive shaft about the vertical axis is converted into rotation of the propeller shaft about the horizontal axis by the connecting gear of the drive shaft and the propeller shaft, and the power of the engine 11 is converted into propulsive force of the ship.

The inside of the engine cover 12 of the outboard motor 1 is hard to be seen from the outside and is suitable for nesting animals such as wild birds. Therefore, if the outboard motor 1 is left for a long period of time, animals may enter the engine cover 12 and build a nest inside the engine cover 12 . As a countermeasure against building a nest on the engine cover 12, it is conceivable to provide an obstacle in a route for an animal to enter the engine cover 12. FIG. However, since animals enter the cover through the intake passage of the engine cover 12, it is necessary to consider the effects on the operation of the engine 11 and the appearance of the engine cover 12 when providing obstacles in the intake passage.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the outboard motor of the comparative example, an outside air introduction chamber 62 is formed in the upper portion of an engine cover 61, and the upstream side of the outside air introduction chamber 62 is connected to an outside air intake port 63. . A louver 64 is provided at the inlet 63 to prevent animals from entering the inside of the engine cover 61 . Due to its structure, the louver 64 tends to retain moisture on its surface, and the moisture adhering to the louver 64 is less likely to flow off. For this reason, the water adhering to the louver 64 is taken into the inside of the engine cover 61 together with the outside air, and if the water is sucked into the engine, it may cause the engine to malfunction.

The intake port 63 also functions as a handle for gripping the engine cover 61 . Therefore, the louvers 64 of the intake port 63 are increased in cross-sectional area to increase strength so that the louvers 64 of the inlet 63 are not damaged by the user's hand. Since the louver 64 acts as ventilation resistance (intake resistance) for outside air, it is necessary to increase the amount of intake of outside air by enlarging the intake port 63 . Therefore, the intake port 63 occupies a large proportion of the engine cover 61 , and the louver 64 stands out, restricting the design of the engine cover 61 . The engine cover 61 is important for the appearance of the outboard motor, and the area, shape, etc. of the intake port 63 have a great influence on the appearance of the outboard motor, and may reduce the commercial value of the outboard motor.

Therefore, the inventors of the present invention focused on the fact that the air intake port 38 through which the outside air enters the engine room 29 inside the engine cover 12 is a place suitable for animal nesting, and the intake port 33 of the outside air introduction chamber 39 is located downstream of the intake port 33 . A nesting prevention device 41 is arranged near the air intake port 38 (see FIG. 1). As a result, adhesion of water to the nesting prevention tool 41 is suppressed, and engine malfunction due to absorption of water is prevented. In addition, since the nesting prevention device 41 is arranged at a position where the user's hand does not touch it, it is not necessary to form the nesting prevention device 41 with a large cross-sectional area. Therefore, there is no need to increase the area of the inlet 33, and the outer appearance of the outboard motor 1 is not spoiled by the inlet 33 or the nesting prevention device 41. - 特許庁

The air intake structure of the outboard motor will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper cover of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the nesting prevention device of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the intake structure of the outboard motor of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the upper cover 17 is formed by attaching a top cover 32 to the upper half portion of the upper cover main body 31 . The upper half portion of the upper cover main body 31 is recessed in a stepped manner, and the recessed portion is covered with the top cover 32 so that the upper cover main body 31 and the top cover 32 are integrated in appearance. The rear end side of the top cover 32 is notched, and the notch of the top cover 32 forms an intake port 33 that takes in outside air into the engine cover 12 . A handle 34 with which a user can grip the engine cover 12 is formed by an inlet 33 formed in the engine cover 12 .

The inside of the upper cover main body 31 is an engine room 29 (see FIG. 1) that houses the engine 11, and the space above the engine room 29 is an outside air introduction room 39 that introduces outside air into the engine room 29. As shown in FIG. By attaching the top cover 32 to the upper cover main body 31 in this manner, an outside air introduction chamber 39 is formed. In the outside air introduction chamber 39 , an intake cylinder 36 projects from the bottom surface 35 of the recessed portion of the upper cover body 31 , and a rear wall 37 projects from the bottom surface 35 behind the intake cylinder 36 . The upper cover main body 31 is formed with an intake port 38 that serves as an inlet of outside air into the engine room 29 by means of an intake cylinder 36 .

The outside air introduction chamber 39 continues to the intake port 33 and the intake port 38 , and serves as an outside air introduction path for introducing the outside air taken in from the intake port 33 into the engine room 29 through the intake port 38 . In the outside air introduction chamber 39, a resin-made nesting prevention device 41 is arranged downstream of the intake port 33 and above the intake port 38 so as to prevent animals from entering the intake port 38 suitable for nesting. there is More specifically, a nesting prevention device 41 is fixed to the top surface of the top cover 32 (upper cover 17 ) facing the intake port 38 . An obstacle is formed in the outside air introduction chamber 39 to guard against entry of animals while a passage for the outside air is sufficiently secured by the nesting prevention device 41 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the nesting prevention tool 41 has a linear closed loop structure, and includes a rectangular plate portion 42 in plan view and four arm portions extending downward from the four corners of the plate portion 42. 43 and a closed loop portion 44 fixed to the lower end of each arm portion 43 . The upper surface of the plate portion 42 is an adhesive surface, and is fixed to the top surface of the top cover 32 (see FIG. 5) via double-sided tape or the like. The four arm portions 43 position the closed loop portion 44 at a height position spaced upward from the upper end of the intake port 38 . Each arm portion 43 is formed to have a narrow width so as not to increase ventilation resistance in the outside air introduction chamber 39 .

The closed loop portion 44 is formed in a rectangular loop shape smaller than the intake port 38 . The closed loop portion 44 is positioned in the upper space of the air inlet 38 and is an obstruction to the entry route of the animal to the air inlet 38 (see FIG. 5). Since the closed loop portion 44 is formed along the outer edge of the intake port 38 , the closed loop portion 44 guards against entry of animals into the intake port 38 over the entire circumference. The closed loop portion 44 is formed to have a narrow width so as not to increase airflow resistance in the outside air introduction chamber 39 .

Further, since the nesting prevention device 41 is arranged above the air intake 38, the external force from the user's hand or the like does not reach the nesting prevention device 41. FIG. Among target animals, wild birds in particular dislike having their wings come into contact with objects. No need. Therefore, by forming the arm portion 43 and the closed loop portion 44 to have a narrow width, the ventilation resistance of the nesting prevention device 41 in the outside air introduction chamber 39 can be suppressed. In addition, by forming the entire nesting prevention device 41 from resin, the manufacturing cost of the nesting prevention device 41 can be reduced and the weight can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the nesting prevention device 41 is fixed to the top surface of the top cover 32 with double-sided tape, but the method of fixing the nesting prevention device 41 is not particularly limited. The nesting prevention device 41 may be adhered to the top surface of the top cover 32 with an adhesive, or may be screwed to the top surface of the top cover 32 . Further, although the nesting prevention device 41 is made of a resin material, the material of the nesting prevention device 41 is not particularly limited, and the nesting prevention device 41 may be made of a metal material. For example, the arm portion 43 and the closed loop portion 44 may be formed of a wire or the like to further reduce the ventilation resistance of the nesting prevention device 41 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , when the outside air is taken in from the intake port 33 of the engine cover 12 (upper cover 17 ), the outside air is drawn into the intake port 38 through the outside air introduction chamber 39 . The closed loop portion 44 of the nesting prevention device 41 exists in the upper space of the air intake port 38, but since the closed loop portion 44 is formed in a linear shape, the closed loop portion 44 does not greatly impede the flow of outside air. do not have. Since the outside air is smoothly introduced from the intake port 33 to the intake port 38 through the outside air introduction chamber 39, the proportion of the engine cover 12 occupied by the intake port 33 can be reduced. Therefore, the influence of the intake port 33 on the appearance of the engine cover 12 can be suppressed.

In addition, since the nesting prevention device 41 cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the engine cover 12, the appearance of the engine cover 12 is affected by the conspicuous obstacles, such as a configuration in which an obstacle such as a louver is provided in the intake port 33. never be damaged. In this manner, the outer surface of the engine cover 12 can be formed with a smooth curved surface as a whole, thereby enhancing the design. Although the vicinity of the intake port 33 of the engine cover 12 does not have a curved surface, the ratio of the intake port 33 to the engine cover 12 is reduced as described above, so that the intake port 33 can be seen from the outer surface of the engine cover 12. can be made inconspicuous.

A nesting prevention device 41 is fixed to the top surface of the engine cover 12 , and a closed loop portion 44 of the nesting prevention device 41 is positioned in a space above the intake port 38 . In this case, the gap between the closed loop portion 44 and the upper end of the intake cylinder 36 and the gap between the closed loop portion 44 and the top surface of the engine cover 12 (top cover 32) are formed to such an extent that animals cannot pass through. In addition, since the closed loop portion 44 extends along the intake cylinder 36, the closed loop portion 44 guards against entry of animals into the intake port 38 from all directions. As a result, animals do not nest in the intake port 38, and engine malfunction due to nesting can be prevented.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the nesting preventive device 41 prevents animals from entering from the intake port 33 toward the air intake port 38 and prevents animals from nesting in the engine cover 12 . Therefore, the user's burden regarding the maintenance of the outboard motor 1 is reduced. Further, the nesting prevention device 41 is not exposed to the outside from the inlet 33, and the nesting prevention device 41 does not greatly affect the appearance of the engine cover 12. - 特許庁Furthermore, since the intake port 33 is not provided with any obstacles, the water adhering to the obstacles will not be sucked into the engine 11 through the outside air introduction chamber 39, thus preventing the engine from malfunctioning due to the suction of water.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the nesting prevention device 41 is fixed to the top surface of the top cover 32, but the configuration is not limited to this. As shown in modifications of FIGS. 6 and 7 , the nesting prevention device 51 may be fixed to a pair of bosses 55 projecting upward from the intake cylinder 36 of the upper cover body 31 . In this case, the nesting prevention device 51 is formed by a rectangular loop-shaped closed loop portion 52, a pair of mounting portions 53 provided at both ends of the closed loop portion 52, and a cross portion 54 that divides the inside of the closed loop portion 52 into four parts. ing. The nesting prevention tool 51 is supported in the upper space of the intake port 38 by screwing the mounting portion 53 to the boss 55 . As a result, the closed loop portion 52 and cross portion 54 of the nesting prevention device 51 guard against entry of animals into the intake port 38 .

Such a configuration also prevents animals from nesting in the engine cover 12, as in the present embodiment. In addition, the nesting prevention device 51 does not greatly affect the appearance of the engine cover 12, and furthermore, it is possible to prevent the engine from malfunctioning due to the inhalation of moisture. In the modified example, the nesting prevention device 51 is screwed to the pair of bosses 55, but the method of fixing the nesting prevention device 51 is not particularly limited. The nesting prevention device 51 may be fixed to the pair of bosses 55 with double-sided tape, or may be adhered to the pair of bosses 55 with an adhesive.

In this embodiment, the outside air introduction chamber 39 is illustrated as an outside air introduction path, but the configuration is not limited to this. The outside air introduction passage may be configured by an air duct or an intake passage as long as it can introduce outside air into the engine room 29 .

Further, in this embodiment, the nesting prevention device 41 is arranged above the intake port 38, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The nesting prevention device 41 may be arranged downstream of the intake port 33 of the outside air introduction passage, and may be arranged at an intermediate position between the intake port 33 and the intake port 38, for example.

In this embodiment, the nesting prevention device 41 has a linear closed loop structure, but the shape of the nesting prevention device 41 is not particularly limited. The nesting prevention device 41 may have a shape that has low ventilation resistance and is likely to interfere with the nesting activities of animals such as wild birds. In this case, since the nesting prevention device 41 cannot be visually recognized from the outside, it is not necessary to consider the design of the nesting prevention device 41 . In this way, the nest-building preventive device 41 may have a shape that prevents an increase in ventilation resistance and hinders nest-building activities by animals.

In this embodiment, the nesting prevention device 41 has a closed loop portion 44 smaller than the air inlet 38. However, if the nesting activity of animals can be prevented, the nesting prevention device 41 can have a closed loop portion 44 larger than the air inlet 38. may

In this embodiment, the upper cover main body 31 and the top cover 32 are formed separately, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. The upper cover 17 and the top cover 32 may be integrally formed.

Further, in this embodiment, the nesting prevention device 41 is arranged on the upper cover 17, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Depending on the shape of the outside air introduction path, the nesting prevention device 41 may be arranged separately from the lower cover 18 and the upper cover 17 .

As described above, the air intake structure of the outboard motor (1) of this embodiment includes an engine compartment (29) that houses the engine (11) and an outside air introduction passage (outside air introduction room 39) that introduces outside air into the engine compartment. An air intake structure for an outboard motor provided with an engine cover (12) formed with (12), wherein an outside air introduction passage connects to an intake (33) for taking outside air into the engine cover and an intake opening serving as an entrance to an engine room. (38), and a nesting prevention device (41) is arranged downstream of the inlet of the outside air introduction passage. According to this configuration, the nesting preventive device suppresses the entry of animals from the inlet toward the air intake, thereby preventing the animals from nesting in the engine cover. Therefore, the user's burden regarding the maintenance of the outboard motor is reduced. In addition, the nesting prevention tool is not exposed to the outside through the opening, and the nesting prevention tool does not greatly affect the appearance of the engine cover. Furthermore, since the intake port is not provided with an obstacle, moisture attached to the obstacle is prevented from being sucked into the engine through the outside air introduction passage.

In the air intake structure of the outboard motor of this embodiment, the engine cover is formed with an outside air introduction path above the engine compartment, and the nesting preventive device is arranged above the air intake port. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent animals from entering the air intake suitable for nesting.

In the air intake structure of the outboard motor of this embodiment, the nesting prevention device is fixed to the top surface of the engine cover facing the air intake port. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent animals from entering the intake port by means of the nesting prevention device fixed to the top surface of the engine cover.

In the air intake structure of the outboard motor of the present embodiment, a nesting preventive device (51) is fixed to a boss (55) projecting upward from an intake cylinder (36) forming an air intake port. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent animals from entering the air intake by means of the nesting prevention device fixed to the boss of the air intake cylinder of the air intake.

In the air intake structure for the outboard motor of this embodiment, the engine cover is formed to be separable into an upper cover (17) and a lower cover (18), and the nesting prevention device is arranged on the upper cover. According to this configuration, the nesting prevention device can be arranged on the engine cover with a simple configuration.

In the air intake structure of the outboard motor of this embodiment, the nesting prevention device has a linear closed loop structure. According to this configuration, since the closed loop portion is formed along the outer edge of the intake port, the closed loop portion prevents the animal from entering the intake port over the entire circumference. Since the nesting prevention tool is formed in a linear shape, it is possible to reduce the airflow resistance and suppress the influence on the power performance of the engine.

In the air intake structure of the outboard motor of this embodiment, the engine cover is formed with a handle that allows the engine cover to be gripped by the intake port, and the nesting prevention device is arranged on the intake port side of the outside air introduction passage. According to this configuration, since an external force applied by a user's hand or the like does not reach the nesting prevention device, the nesting prevention device only needs to have a minimum strength. Therefore, the shape of the nesting preventive device is not limited by strength, and the airflow resistance of the nesting preventive device can be minimized. In addition, by forming the nesting prevention device from a resin material, the manufacturing cost of the nesting prevention device can be reduced and the weight can be reduced. In addition, there is no effect on the workability of attaching and detaching the engine cover while gripping the inlet.

Although the present embodiment has been described, another embodiment may be a combination of the above embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.

Also, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be variously changed, replaced, and modified without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in another way by advancement of technology or another derived technology, the method may be used for implementation. Therefore, the claims cover all implementations that may fall within the scope of the technical concept.

1 : Outboard motor 11 : Engine 12 : Engine cover 17 : Upper cover 18 : Lower cover 29 : Engine room 33 : Intake port 34 : Handle 36 : Intake cylinder 38 : Intake port 39 : Outside air introduction chamber (outside air introduction path)
41: Nesting prevention device 51: Nesting prevention device 55: Boss

Claims (5)

1. An intake structure for an outboard motor, comprising an engine cover having an engine compartment for housing an engine and an outside air intake path for introducing outside air into the engine compartment above the engine compartment , the air intake structure comprising:
The outside air introduction path continues to an intake port for taking outside air into the engine cover and to an intake port serving as an entrance to the engine room, and the intake port is downstream of the intake port of the outside air introduction path. A nesting prevention tool is placed above the
1. An intake structure for an outboard motor, wherein the nesting prevention device is fixed to a boss projecting upward from an intake cylinder forming the intake port. 1. An intake structure for an outboard motor, comprising an engine cover having an engine compartment for housing an engine and an outside air intake path for introducing outside air into the engine compartment above the engine compartment , the air intake structure comprising:
The outside air introduction path continues to an intake port for taking outside air into the engine cover and to an intake port serving as an entrance to the engine room, and the intake port is downstream of the intake port of the outside air introduction path. A nesting prevention device is placed directly above the
The nesting prevention device has a linear closed loop structure, and has a loop-shaped closed loop portion smaller than the air inlet, and the closed loop portion is formed along the outer edge of the air inlet. Intake structure of the outer unit. 3. The air intake structure for an outboard motor according to claim 2, wherein said nesting prevention device is fixed to a top surface of said engine cover facing said intake port. the engine cover is formed to be dividable into an upper cover and a lower cover,
4. The air intake structure for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the nesting prevention device is arranged on the upper cover. The engine cover is formed with a handle capable of gripping the engine cover by the inlet,
5. The air intake structure for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the nesting preventive device is arranged on the intake port side of the outside air introduction passage.

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