초록 ▼

A marine propulsion system provides dual driveshafts which are connected in torque transmitting relation with associated propellers. In addition, a bow thruster is provided to provide a thrust on the bow of the marine vessel in the port and starboard directions. An output shaft extends from an engin

A marine propulsion system provides dual driveshafts which are connected in torque transmitting relation with associated propellers. In addition, a bow thruster is provided to provide a thrust on the bow of the marine vessel in the port and starboard directions. An output shaft extends from an engine in a forward direction, toward the bow, and two driveshafts extend from torque transmitting devices, which are also disposed forward from the engine, wherein the driveshafts extend in a rearward direction toward the transom. The driveshafts can be associated directly with propellers, in applications where the driveshafts extend through the transom or through a bottom portion of the hull. Alternatively, the driveshafts can be associated with stern drive units. Efficient maneuvering can be accomplished by selectably determining the magnitudes and directions of the three thrust vectors provided by the two propellers and the bow thruster.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A marine propulsion apparatus, comprising:an engine disposable in a marine vessel; an output shaft of said engine extending from said engine in a forward direction away from a transom of said marine vessel; first and second torque transmitting devices attached in torque transmitting relation with

1. A marine propulsion apparatus, comprising:an engine disposable in a marine vessel; an output shaft of said engine extending from said engine in a forward direction away from a transom of said marine vessel; first and second torque transmitting devices attached in torque transmitting relation with said output shaft and located forward of said engine; a first drive shaft, said first drive shaft being connected in torque transmitting relation with said first torque transmitting device, said first drive shaft extending in an aft direction from said first torque transmitting device; and a second drive shaft, said second drive shaft being connected in torque transmitting relation with said second torque transmitting device, said second drive shaft extending in an aft direction from said second torque transmitting device, said first and second shafts being rotatable at different speeds relative to each other in response to said first and second torque transmitting devices operating at different relative speeds to each other.