Marine propulsion – Means for accomodating or moving engine fluids – Cooling for engine
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-18
2001-04-03
Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 3617)
Marine propulsion
Means for accomodating or moving engine fluids
Cooling for engine
C440S08900C, C123S508000, C123S509000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06210243
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to an engine, and in particular to a component layout for a marine engine, including an arrangement of the fuel pump.
2. Description of Related Art
Internal combustion engines are commonly used to power small watercrafts such as personal watercraft. These watercraft include a hull which defines an engine compartment Personal watercraft often employ an inline, multi-cylinder, crankcase compression, two-cycle engine. The engine conventionally lies within the engine compartment with the in-line cylinders aligned along a longitudinal axis of the watercraft hull. The output shaft of the engine is coupled to a water propulsion device of the watercraft, such as a jet propulsion unit.
Generally, the engine of the small watercraft also includes an air intake system, an exhaust system, a fuel supply system, and other components to operate the engine. Air is supplied to the engine from the outside of the hull for use in the combustion process. Typically, air flows through one or more ducts in the hull into the engine compartment, and then through the intake system to the cylinders. An exhaust system communicates with the cylinders of the engine and extends to a discharge that is located near the stern of the watercraft.
Fuel is also supplied to the engine for use in the combustion process. In order to accurately meter the fuel and improve engine operating efficiency and performance, the fuel may be injected with one or more fuel injectors. Each injector has an electrically operated valve which selectively opens and closes, controlling the flow of fuel through the injectors to the engine. In this arrangement, fuel is supplied to the fuel injectors at a high pressure by a fuel pump.
Personal watercraft also commonly include an access opening that is formed in the watercraft deck above the engine. A longitudinally extending, straddle-type seat normally covers the access opening to close the engine compartment. On occasions, a rider may need to open the access opening while the watercraft is floating in a body of water in order to make minor repairs or adjustments.
Prior arrangements of the fuel pump within the engine compartment posed the risk that water could enter the engine compartment through the uncovered access opening and contact the fuel pump, which consequently could damage the fuel pump and/or its electrical contacts. In addition, water that enters the engine compartment also tends to splash about within the engine compartment due to the pitching and rocking movement of the watercraft as it moves through the water With either direct contact or subsequent internal splashing, the water can corrode or otherwise damage the pump and/or interrupt the electrical current flow to the pump. In some cases, this may permanently damage the pump as well as affect the operation of the engine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome this problem, the present invention positions the fuel pump directly onto the engine housing in one of multiple locations. In each location, the fuel pump is at least partially shielded from water that enters into the engine compartment either directly through the access opening or indirectly due to splashing of water that has accumulated in the bottom of the engine compartment
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a watercraft comprises a hull that defines an engine compartment and an engine contained within the engine compartment. The engine compartment has an access opening positioned above the engine for access thereto. The engine includes an air intake system and a fuel pump supplying fuel to the engine. The fuel pump is positioned on the engine so as to be at least partially shielded from water that may pass through said access opening in said engine compartment.
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Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Morano S. Joseph
Olson Lars A.
Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
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