Marine propulsion – Screw propeller – With means effecting or facilitating movement of propulsion...
Utility Patent
1999-05-17
2001-01-02
Sotelo, Jesus D. (Department: 3617)
Marine propulsion
Screw propeller
With means effecting or facilitating movement of propulsion...
C123S1950HC
Utility Patent
active
06168482
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to lift arrangements for engines of outboard motors. More particularly, the present invention relates to lift arrangements for engines for use during installation and maintenance of outboard motor engines.
2. Description of Related Art
Watercraft powered by outboard motors use internal combustion engines mounted within the outboard motor for providing power output to a propulsion device such as a propeller. In assembling the outboard motor, the engine must be positioned within an engine compartment located within a cowling portion of the outboard motor. To lift the engine and to orient the engine properly, the engine may be provided with at least one lifting hook. Typically, the lifting hook is attached to the engine proximate the cylinder block, the crankcase and the cylinder head. In such embodiments, a rope, chain or the like is attached to the lifting hook such that the engine may be raised from, or positioned within, the cowling area of the outboard motor. Lifting the engine may be necessary for routine maintenance, assembly and the like.
As the size and complexity of outboard motors has increased, the difficulties associated with mounting such engines into the outboard motors has also increased. For example, with the recent introduction of two-cycle V-type six-cylinder direct-injection engines into outboard motors, the number of components attached to the engine block has exploded. The engines feature a high-pressure fuel system that is attached to the engine and that protrudes significantly from the contours of previous engine structures. Due to both this increase in parts and the complexity of the assembly procedures associated with the engines, the space allocated to the lifting hook in such engines has decreased. Moreover, the ropes and/or chains used to raise and lower the engine may impact the engine and peripheral components and damage sensitive connections and couplings as a result of the inadvertent contact. Furthermore, as the weight and size of the engines has increased, the size of the hanger has also had to increase. Accordingly, the hanger now protrudes to a large degree from the side of the engine in some embodiments. This large protrusion requires an enlarged cowling region and an overall increase in outboard motor size and weight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is desired to have an outboard motor engine lift apparatus that may reduce the protrusion of the apparatus from the engine, as well as one that may be accommodated by engines having varying peripheral components. Moreover, the apparatus should be located in a region of the engine which allows ease of assembly and manufacture of the engine while also facilitating ease of insertion and orientation of the engine within the outboard motor.
One aspect of the present invention involves an engine for an outboard motor. The engine comprises a generally vertically oriented crankshaft and a flywheel connected to the crankshaft. A peripheral component is attached to a portion of the engine. A driven sprocket is connected to the peripheral component and arranged to power the peripheral component. A drive sprocket is attached to the flywheel with a flexible drive loop extending between and rotatably coupling the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket. A lifting lug is removably connected to one of the flywheel or the drive sprocket.
Another aspect of the present invention involves an engine for an outboard motor. The engine comprises a crankshaft, a flywheel attached to the crankshaft, and a peripheral component attached to a portion of the engine. A driven sprocket is connected to the peripheral component and is arranged to power the peripheral component. A drive sprocket is attached to the flywheel with a flexible drive member coupling the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket. A lifting lug is positioned generally between the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket.
A further aspect of the present invention involves an outboard motor. The outboard motor comprises a power head, an engine compartment defined within the power head and an engine mounted within the engine compartment. The engine comprises a crankshaft, a crankcase encasing the crankshaft and a flywheel attached to the crankshaft. The crankcase is attached to a cylinder block with a pair of cylinder banks positioned within the cylinder block. A removable lifting lug and a pivotable lifting lug are also attached to the engine. One of the removable lifting lug and the pivotable lifting lug is positioned generally above the crankshaft and the other of the removable lifting lug and the pivotable lifting lug is positioned generally rearward of the crankshaft.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5616058 (1997-04-01), Nakai
patent: 47796 (1985-03-01), None
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Sotelo Jesus D.
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