AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/369,376, filed on August 1 , 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to electric marine propulsion systems with drive trains, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, the drive train can be manufactured as a compact, self-contained unit, and can include features to enhance the concentricity of elements in the drive train.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Outboard motors have been used for many years to propel smaller boats and other watercraft. Conventional outboard motors typically include a two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engine. More recently, in response to consumer demand for quieter and more environmentally friendly outboard motors, manufacturers have begun producing electric outboard motors.

[0004] One challenge associated with optimizing the efficiency and power density of electric outboard motors is that such motors require a significant gear reduction between the electric motor itself and the propeller to which it is coupled. Accordingly, it can be difficult to provide a suitable gear-reduction drive train that is compact, reliable and long-lasting, while also being relatively simple to manufacture and service.

BRIEF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a partially schematic, partially exploded illustration of a propulsion system for an outboard motor, configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. [0006] Figure 2 is a partially schematic, cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the propulsion system shown in Figure 1 , configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] Figure 3 is an enlarged, cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the propulsion system shown in Figure 2.

[0008] Figure 4 is a partially schematic side view of a planetary gear shaft carrying two planetary gears, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] Figures 5A-5E illustrate exploded views and partial assemblies of representative components configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present technology is directed generally to electric marine propulsion systems with drive trains, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, the drive trains include a planetary gear arrangement with one or more of several features, including planetary gears on a common shaft that provide further gear reduction, a bearing that supports a planetary gear carrier relative to an output shaft, and/or a cartridge configuration that allows the transmission to be easily installed and removed from a corresponding outboard motor.

[0011] Specific details of several embodiments of the present technology are described below with reference to particular motor configurations to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant components. In other embodiments, the technology can be applied to electric motors having other configurations. Several details describing structures and/or processes that are well-known and often associated with outboard motors and/or electric motors, but that may unnecessarily obscure some significant aspects of the present technology, are not set forth in the following description for purposes of clarity. Moreover, although the following disclosure sets forth several embodiments of different aspects of the present technology, several other embodiments of the technology have different configurations or different components than those described in this section. As such, the present technology may have other embodiments, with additional elements and/or without several of the elements described below with reference to Figs. 1 -5E. [0012] Figure 1 is a partially schematic illustration of a propulsion system 100 carried by an outboard motor 101 in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. The propulsion system 100 includes an electric motor 105 that drives a propeller 191 . The propulsion system 100 can be housed in a lower unit 1 10 of the outboard motor 101 which extends below the waterline when in use. The lower unit 1 10 can include a lower unit housing 1 1 1 that carries the propulsion system 100, and can further include other features typical of an outboard motor, for example, an anti- ventilation plate 1 12 (which prevents surface air from being ingested by the propeller 191 ), and a skeg 1 13 (which prevents damage to the propeller 191 if the outboard motor 101 strikes an object).

[0013] The lower unit housing 1 1 1 includes a propulsion system aperture 1 14 that receives the electric motor 105. Accordingly, the propulsion system aperture 1 14 can house a stator 1 15, and can removably house a cartridge 120 that includes a corresponding rotor 130, rotor drive shaft 131 , transmission 140, and output shaft 190. The output shaft 190 drives the propeller 191 , and the transmission 140 provides the gear reduction between the rapidly rotating, lower torque rotor 130 and the more slowly rotating, higher torque output shaft 190 and propeller 191 .

[0014] In some embodiments, the stator 1 15 is shrink-fit into the propulsion system aperture 1 14 to secure it in place. In a representative process, the lower unit housing 1 1 1 is heated to expand the diameter of the propulsion system aperture 1 14. The stator 1 15 is then inserted into the propulsion system aperture 1 14 while the lower unit housing is at the elevated temperature, and the lower unit housing 1 1 1 is then cooled to shrink it around the stator 1 15, forming a shrink-fit interface 1 19. In some embodiments, the stator 1 15 is cooled, in addition to or in lieu of heating the lower unit housing 1 1 1 . More generally, the process can include causing or increasing a temperature difference between the lower unit housing 1 1 1 and the stator 1 15, inserting the stator 1 15, and causing the temperature difference to decrease.

[0015] The foregoing approach can provide one or more of several advantages. For example, the shrink fit connection is expected to be very tight, reducing or eliminating the likelihood for the stator 1 15 to loosen within the lower unit housing 1 1 1 . In some embodiments, the shrink-fit connection is the only connection between the stator 1 15 and the lower unit housing 1 1 1 , eliminating the need for fasteners to separately secure the stator 1 15 to the lower unit housing 1 1 1 . This in turn can reduce the time required to secure the stator 1 15 in place, and can further reduce the likelihood for the stator 1 15 to loosen. Another expected advantage of the shrink-fit connection is that it is expected to place the stator 1 15 in very close thermal communication with the lower unit housing 1 1 1 . Since the stator 1 15 carries electrical current and generates heat during the operation of the electric motor 105, the enhanced thermal communication can increase the rate at which the heat is conveyed away from the electric motor 105 via thermal conduction to the lower unit housing 1 1 1 , and via thermal conduction and convection to the surrounding water. This in turn can eliminate the need for an active cooling system (e.g., an internal cooling liquid loop or a once-through seawater cooling system), while providing sufficient heat transfer to allow the electric motor 105 to last for many years. To further enhance the thermal communication between the stator 1 15 and the lower unit housing 1 1 1 , the foregoing process can include coating the stator 1 15 with a suitable thermally conductive paste or other compound before inserting the stator 1 15 into the propulsion system aperture 1 14.

[0016] The lower unit housing 1 1 1 can further include an end piece 1 17 having a bearing aperture 1 18 that receives and supports a corresponding support shaft bearing 133 of the cartridge 120. The end piece 1 17 can be formed integrally with the lower unit housing 1 1 1 , or manufactured separately and then installed in the lower unit housing, e.g., as part of the shrink-fit process for the stator 1 15 (described above) or via one or more fasteners, prior to the shrink-fit process. During assembly, the cartridge 120 can be inserted, as a unit into the propulsion system aperture 1 14, with the support shaft bearing 133 received in the bearing aperture 1 18, and with the rotor 130 positioned in a rotor opening 1 16 of the stator 1 15. The cartridge 120 can be attached to the lower unit housing 1 1 1 with only one or only two mechanical fasteners 121 . For purposes of illustration, two threaded mechanical fasteners 121 are shown in Figure 1 . In some embodiments, other types of arrangements are used (e.g., a tab and slot on one side, and a threaded fastener on the other), which may result in corresponding adjustments to the seal between the cartridge 120 and the lower unit housing 1 1 1 . In any of these embodiments, an advantage of this arrangement is that since only one or two mechanical fasteners are necessary to secure the cartridge 120 in place, the cartridge 120 can be easily installed, and can be easily removed later for servicing, if necessary. This in turn allows the components of the cartridge 120 to be assembled and lubricated outside the lower unit housing 1 1 1 , rather than being inserted one-by- one into the lower unit housing 1 1 1 . By assembling the components outside the lower unit housing 1 1 1 before installing the cartridge 120 as a unit, the manufacturer can more easily ensure that the components are properly connected and aligned. This in turn can reduce the need to remove components one-by-one from the lower unit housing 1 1 1 if the initial piece-by-piece installation is not properly performed. This process also allows the cartridge 120 to be functionally tested in a test fixture prior to installation, for example at the cartridge manufacturer, which shortens production time and lowers the risk associated with final assembly of the outboard motor.

[0017] As described above, the cartridge 120 includes the rotor 130, the transmission 140, and the output shaft 190. The rotor 130 includes the drive shaft 131 which is coupled to the transmission 140, and a support shaft 132, which extends in the opposite direction. The support shaft 132 can provide additional support for the rotor 130 via the support shaft bearing 133 so that the rotor 130 is not cantilevered within the propulsion system aperture 1 14. The transmission 140 includes a transmission housing 141 in which the associated gear-reduction components are housed. Further details of the cartridge 120 and the transmission 140 are described below with reference to Figs. 2-5E.

[0018] Figure 2 is a partially schematic, cross-sectional illustration of the cartridge 120, illustrating the rotor 130 with its associated support shaft 132 and drive shaft 131 . The drive shaft 131 extends into the transmission housing 141 where it is coupled to the output shaft 190 via a planetary gear assembly 150. Further details of the planetary gear assembly 150 and other elements of the transmission 140 are described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0019] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the representative system shown in Figure 2, illustrating further details of the transmission 140 and associated components. The transmission 140 can include a sun gear 151 carried by the drive shaft 131 . The sun gear engages with multiple planetary gears 152 carried by a planetary gear carrier 156. The planetary gear carrier 156 is fixed relative to the transmission housing 141 . The associated planetary gears 152 also engage with a ring gear 153 carried by a ring gear support 154 that is in turn connected to the output shaft 190. When the drive shaft 131 rotates, the sun gear 151 rotates the planetary gears 152, which in turn rotate the ring gear 153 to drive the output shaft 190 at a slower angular rate.

[0020] The planetary gear carrier 156 can include a first portion 156a connected to a second portion 156b, e.g., with one or more carrier fasteners 157. A first O-ring 142a seals the planetary gear carrier 156 to the transmission housing 141 . The planetary gear carrier 156 supports multiple planetary gear shafts 155, one of which is visible in Figure 3. Each planetary gear shaft 155 can carry at least one planetary gear 152 that meshes with the ring gear 153. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 3, each planetary gear shaft 155 carries two planetary gears: a first planetary gear 152a that meshes with the sun gear 151 , and a second, smaller planetary gear 152b that meshes with the ring gear 153. This arrangement can provide a further gear reduction and associated speed reduction, in addition to the gear reduction provided by the ring gear

153. In a particular embodiment, the first planetary gear 152a has a first diameter D1 and the second planetary gear 152b has a second, smaller diameter D2. The ratio of the diameters determines the gear reduction provided by these two gears.

[0021] The associated planetary gear shaft 155 rotates relative to the planetary gear carrier 156, and is supported for rotation via a first planetary shaft bearing 158a and a second planetary shaft bearing 158b. The two planetary shaft bearings 158a, 158b are placed on opposite sides of the corresponding planetary gears 152 so that the planetary gear shaft 155 is not cantilevered, but is instead supported at or near both ends. This arrangement further stabilizes the planetary gear shaft 155, which reduces wear and/or increases the longevity of the system.

[0022] As will be described in further detail below with reference to Figure 4, the teeth of the first and second planetary gears 152a, 152b can be selected to counteract thrust loads provided by each gear, resulting in a net thrust load reduction. In some embodiments, the system can nevertheless include a thrust washer 159 to account for residual thrust loads.

[0023] The planetary gear carrier 156 can be fixed relative to the transmission housing 141 in an axial direction via a first retaining ring 143a that biases the planetary gear carrier 156 against a carrier shoulder 160. The planetary gear carrier 156 can be fixed from rotating relative to the transmission housing 141 via a key 161 that is received in a corresponding key way 162 of the transmission housing 141 . Accordingly, the planetary gear carrier 156 is secured relative to the transmission housing 141 , but in the event service is required, can be easily removed by removing the first retaining ring 143a. As will be described further below, the overall assembly can include multiple retaining rings 143, which can similarly make assembly and disassembly of other system components a more efficient operation.

[0024] The system shown in Figure 3 can include features to enhance or ensure the concentricity of the output shaft 190 relative to the drive shaft 131 and the planetary gear carrier 156. For example, the output shaft 190 can include an extension portion 192 that extends axially within the ring gear support 154 toward the drive shaft 131 and the planetary gear carrier 156. The transmission 140 can include a carrier bearing 163, positioned between an inwardly facing surface 164 of the planetary gear carrier 156, and an outwardly facing surface 193 of the extension portion 192. The additional support provided by the carrier bearing 163, and its position directly between the output shaft 190 and the planetary gear carrier 156, can reduce or eliminate the presence of cantilever loads, which might otherwise be associated with the axially extending ring gear support 154, and which can create additional wear on the system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the output shaft 190 can be further supported by output shaft bearings 194 positioned on the opposite side of the ring gear support 154 from the carrier bearing 163. The output shaft bearings 194 are secured in place via a locknut 196 that biases the bearings against a shaft shoulder 195.

[0026] Because the transmission housing 141 is positioned underwater during operation, the system can include an output shaft seal 170 that prevents water from entering the transmission 140. The output shaft seal 170 can include a seal housing 171 having a seal support 172 that positions multiple seals relative to the output shaft 190. The multiple seals can include a first static face seal 173a on one side of the seal support 172, and a second static face seal 173b on the opposite side of the seal support 172. The static face seals 173a, 173b engage with corresponding rotating face seals 175a, 175b at corresponding sealing surfaces 174a, 174b. The stacked face seals are secured in position via a second retaining ring 143b and a corresponding third retaining ring 143c positioned in corresponding grooves of the output shaft 190. The output shaft seal 170 can further include second and third O-rings 142b, 142c to seal the interfaces between the seal housing 171 and the transmission housing 141 . A fourth O-ring, 142d seals the interface between the cartridge 120 and the lower unit housing 1 1 1 (Figure 1 ). A vent path 176 allows air to vent outwardly from the seal housing 171 , and a fourth retaining ring 143d secures the seal housing 171 to the transmission housing 141 . A pin 177 prevents the seal housing 171 from rotating relative to the transmission housing 141 .

[0027] At the opposite end of the transmission 140, the rotor drive shaft 131 is also supported for rotation with multiple bearings, and sealed. Accordingly, the system can include a rotor bearing housing 134 having a first portion 134a and a second portion 134b that together enclose one or more rotor bearings 135 (two are shown in Figure 3 for purposes of illustration). The rotor bearing housing portions 134a, 134b can be connected via one or more fasteners. The rotor bearing housing 134 also carries a seal 136 positioned around the drive shaft 131 . The seal 136 can prevent internal lubricant from leaking into the propulsion system aperture 1 14 (Figure 1 ), which is separately sealed by the fourth O-ring 142d and the mechanical fasteners 121 from the external marine environment.

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of one of the planetary gear shafts 155 and associated first and second planetary gears 152a, 152b. Each of the planetary gears 152a, 152b can include corresponding helical teeth 166a, 166b. The first helical teeth 166a can be inclined relative to a shaft axis 165 of the planetary gear shaft 155 by a first tooth angle A1 . The second helical teeth 166b can be inclined relative to the shaft axis 165 by a second tooth angle A2. The first and second tooth angles A1 , A2 can be selected to be different than each other to reduce or eliminate the relative thrust loads generated by the planetary gears 152a, 152b during operation. Because the first planetary gear 152a engages the inwardly positioned sun gear, and the second planetary gear 152b engages the outwardly positioned ring gear, the first and second angles A1 , A2 can have the same sense or direction (e.g., unlike a "herring bone" arrangement), but as described above, can have different values to counteract thrust loads.

[0029] As described above, one feature of at least some of the foregoing embodiments is that they can include multiple, coaxial planetary gears that provide for a further gear reduction in a compact manner. Another feature of at least some of the foregoing embodiments is that the planetary gear shaft can be supported toward both ends to reduce loads and/or wear that may otherwise result from a cantilevered shaft. Still another feature of at least some of the foregoing embodiments is that the output shaft can also be supported at multiple locations, e.g., via the extension portion and associated carrier bearing, to improve concentricity and/or reduce loads and/or wear on the transmission components. Each of the foregoing features, individually and/or together in any suitable combination, can improve the reliability and life expectancy of the system.

[0030] As was also described above, the transmission, the drive shaft, and the output shaft can all be assembled and lubricated outside the lower housing of the outboard motor to form a cartridge that can easily be installed and removed with one or at most two fasteners. This arrangement can further improve the reliability and longevity of the system.

[0031] Another feature of at least some embodiments is that the transmission housing and lower unit housing include redundant seals. Accordingly, this arrangement can reduce the likelihood for water to leak into the transmission, and/or for lubricant to leak out.

[0032] In some embodiments, the transmission 140 can produce a gear reduction in the range of 4:1 to 10: 1 , for example, 7.83: 1 . This range of values is significantly higher than the gear reduction associated with typical internal combustion outboard engines, which generally range from 2:1 to 2.5: 1 . Accordingly, the ability of some or all of the foregoing features to provide a compact, precise transmission unit, despite the larger gear reduction ratio, can have particular applicability and benefits for electric outboard motors.

[0033] Figures 5A-5E illustrate exploded views and partial assemblies of selected components described above with reference Figures 1 -4. For example, Figure 5A illustrates the rotor 130, rotor shaft 131 , support shaft 132, and support shaft bearing 133. The sun gear 151 is mounted to the drive shaft 131 , which extends into the rotor bearing housing 134 (formed by the first and second portions 134a, 134b. The drive shaft 131 is supported by the rotor bearings 135.

[0034] Figure 5B illustrates the first portion 156a of the planetary gear carrier. Figure 5B also illustrates the planetary gear shafts 155 carrying the first planetary gears 152a and the second planetary gears 152b, and corresponding carrier fasteners 157 that connect the first portion 156a to the second portion (not visible in Figures 5B). The planetary gears 152 are carried in the transmission housing 141 , from which the output shaft 190 extends.

[0035] Figure 5C illustrates selected components of the seal housing 171 that seal the output shaft 190. For example, Figure 5C illustrates the first and second rotating face seals 175a, 175b, and the corresponding retaining rings 143b, 143c. Figure 5C also illustrates the fourth retaining ring 143d, which secures the seal housing 171 to the transmission housing 141 , and the second and third O-rings 142b, 142c that seal the resulting interface.

[0036] Figure 5D illustrates the drive shaft 190 and the ring gear support 154. The ring gear 153 fits into the open end of the ring gear support 154, and the planetary gear carrier 156 fits within the ring gear 153. The carrier bearing 163 (of which the inner race is shown in Figure 5D) provides a centering support between the planetary gear carrier 156 and the extension portion 192 of the output shaft 190.

[0037] Figure 5E illustrates the transmission housing 141 with internal components (including the output shaft 190 and components of the seal housing 171 ) installed. The first portion 156a of the carrier assembly 156 is exposed so as to be connected to the second portion 134b of the rotor bearing housing 134, which is connected to the rotor 130. Once this connection is made, the resulting cartridge 120 can be installed in the lower unit housing 1 1 1 described above with reference to Figure 1 .

[0038] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. For example, in at least some embodiments, the transmission can include a single planetary gear on each planetary gear shaft, rather than multiple gears, for example, in cases for which the additional gear reduction associated with multiple gears on a single shaft is not necessary or desired. Bearings which are shown as roller bearings in the Figures, can have other configurations in other embodiments. The mechanical fasteners shown in the Figures as threaded screw-type fasteners, can have other configurations in other embodiments (e.g., clip or quick-release configurations). In some embodiments, the motor can have a horsepower rating of about 40 HP (or the equivalent), and can have other values depending upon the application. In some embodiments, the system can include only one or two fasteners to secure the cartridge to the lower unit, for example, two threaded fasteners, as shown in Figure 1 , or a retaining ring in combination with a pin (to prevent the cartridge from rotating). Other components can be connected with a small number of fasteners, in addition to or in lieu of the cartridge/lower unit fasteners. For example, the system can use only three fasteners to secure the rotor bearing housing to the transmission. In some embodiments, the planetary gear arrangement can include a fixed ring gear and a planetary gear carrier that is carried by the (rotating) output shaft.

[0039] Certain aspects of the technology described in the context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, any of at least some features (e.g., the carrier bearing, multiple planetary gears on a single shaft, shrink-fit rotors installation, transmission cartridge, and/or reduced number mechanical fasteners), can be combined with any one or more of the foregoing features. In some embodiments, any one or more of the foregoing features can be applied in the context of a motor other than an outboard motor. For example, the removable cartridge can be applied in the context of other transportation platforms, industrial machinery and/or consumer products (e.g., a portable drill) in some embodiments. Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the present disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

[0040] To the extent any materials incorporated herein by reference conflict with the present disclosure, the present disclosure controls.