Propeller and propeller mounting arrangement
United States Patent Kashmerick ll l 3,876,332  
 1 1 PROPELLER AND PROPELLER MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT [75] Inventor: Gerald E. Kashmerick, Waukegan,  
 lll.  
 [73] Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation,  
  Waukegan, 111.  
 [22] Filed: Oct. 10, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 405,086  
 [52] US. Cl. 416/93; 416/134; 416/244 [51] int. Cl B63h H20 [58] Field of Search 416/134, 93. 244  
 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.246.698 4/1966 Kiekhaefer 416/93 3.477.794 11/1969 Abbott et al... 415/134 3.563.670 2/1971 Knuth 416/93 3.701.611 10/1972 Lambrechtu... 416/134 3.748.061 7/1973 Henrich 416/93 3.754.837 8/1973 Shimanckas 416/134 X Primary Eraminer-Everette A. Powell, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmMichael, Best &amp; Friedrich 51 Apr. 8, 1975 57 ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a propeller mounting arrangement comprising a propeller shaft including, in series, a forward cylindrical portion, a noncircular portion, a shouldered portion, and a rearward cylindrical portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the forward cylindrical portion, together with a propeller having an inner hub with a bore receiving the propeller shaft and including, in series, a forward cylindrical portion located in outwardly telescopic relation to the propeller shaft forward cylindrical portion, a noncircular portion interfitting with the non-circular portion of the propeller shaft in rotary power transmitting engagement, a shouldered portion engaging the propeller shaft shouldered portion to prevent forward movement of the propeller relative to the propeller shaft and thereby to permit forward thrust transmission, and a rearward cylindrical portion located in outwardly telescopic relation to the propeller shaft rearward cylindrical portion. and means on the propeller shaft aft of the inner hub for preventing rearward movement of the propeller relative to the propeller shaft to thereby permit reverse thrust transmission from the propeller to the propeller shaft.  
 11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PROIELLER AND IROPELLER MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to arrangements for removably mounting a propeller on a propeller shaft of a marine propulsion device. such as an outoboard motor or stern drive unit. The invention also relates to sealing arrangements for such mounting arrangements and to marine propeller constructions.  
  Attention is directed to the following US. Pat. Nos. disclosing propeller constructions and propeller mounting arrangements: Conover 3.l 13.625 issued Dec. ll). l963 Strang 3.356.15l issued Dec. 5. I967 Wlezien 3.444.932 issued May 20. I969 Knuth 3.563.670 issued Feb. lo. l97l.  
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a propeller mounting arrangement comprising a PTOPCIICPSIIZIIT including. in series. a forward cylindrical portion. a noncircular portion. a shouldered portion. and a rearward cylindrical portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the forward cylindrical portion. a propeller having an inner hub with a bore receiving the propeller shaft and including. in series. a forward cylindrical portion located in encircling telescopic relation to the propeller shaft forward cylindrical portion. a noncircular portion interfitting with the non-circular portion of the propeller shaft in rotary power transmitting engagement. a shouldered portion engaging the propeller shaft shoul dered portion to prevent forward movement of thhe propeller relative to the propeller shaft and thereby to permit forward thrust transmission. and a rearward cylindrical portion located in encircling telescopic relation to the propeller shaft rearward cylindrical portion. and means on the propeller shaft aft of said inner hub for preventing rearward movement of the propeller relative to the propeller shaft to thereby permit reverse thrust transmission from the propeller to the propeller shaft.  
  In further accordance with the invention. seals are provided between the forward cylindrical portions of the propeller shaft and the inner hub bore and between the rearward cylindrical portions of the propeller shaft and the inner hub bore.  
  In still further accordance with the invention. the propeller also includes an outer hub having connected thereto a propeller blade and having a forward portion engageable with the inner hub to transmit forward thrust from the outer hub to the inner hub. In addition. the propeller shaft includes at the after end thereof, a threaded portion which receives a nut preventing rearward movement of the inner hub on the propeller shaft and having a diameter sufficient to receive reverse thrust from rearward portion of an outer propeller hub to thereby permit reverse thrust transmission from the rearward outer hub portion through the nut to the propeller shaft. If desired. such reverse thrust can be transmitted to the nut through the inner hub. Also included in several of the embodiments are a number of many possible means for preventing rotation of the nut due to rotation of the outer hub against the nut.  
  The invention also provides a propeller having an inner hub with a bore receiving a propeller shaft and including, in series. a forward cylindrical portion adapted to telescopically encircle a forward cylindrical propeller shaft portion. a non-circular portion adapted to interfit with a non-circular propeller shaft portion in rotary power transmitting engagement. a shouldered portion adapted to engage a shouldered propeller shaft portion to prevent forward movement of the propeller relative to the propeller shaft and thereby to permit forward thrust transmission. and a rearward cylindrical portion adapted to telescopically encircle a rearward cylindrical propeller shaft portion.  
  In further accordance with the invention, the propeller also includes an outer hub having connected thereto a propeller blade and having a forward portion engage able with the inner hub to transmit forward thrust from the outer hub through the inner hub to the propeller shaft.  
  One of the principal features of the invention is the provision of a propeller mounting arrangement providing a stronger propeller shaft.  
  Another of the principal features of the invention is the provision of a propeller mounting arrangement which provides a sealing of the mounting arrangement from the water in which the propeller is operated.  
  Still another of the principal features ofthe invention is the provision of a propeller which is adapted to be employed in the mounting arrangement of the invention.  
  Still another of the principal features of the invention is the provision of a propellef and propeller mounting arrangement which are economical to construct and which will provide reliable service over a long and useful life. I  
  Other features and advantages of the invention will become known by reference to the following drawings. general description. and claims.  
 DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view. partially in section. of one ofembodiment of a propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with the invention.  
  FIG. 2 is a fragmentary clevational view. partially in section. ofa first modified propeller mounting arrangement.  
  FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view. partially in section. of a second modified propeller mounting arrangement.  
  FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view, partially in section. of a third modified propeller mounting arrangement.  
  Before explaining the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in the various ways. Also. it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
 GENERAL DESCRIPTION Shown in FIG. 1 ofthe drawings is a propeller mounting arrangement 11 which is particularly adapted for use in a marine propulsion device, such as an outboard motor or stem drive unit. Such marine propulsion devices include&#39; a lower unit (not shown) rotatably supporting a propeller shaft 15, which in turn, carries a propeller 17 mounted for common rotation with the propeller shaft 15.  
  As is conventional, the propeller 17 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an inner hub 21, an outer hub 23 which supports one or more propeller blades 25, and a resilient clutch element 27 sandwiched between the inner and outer hubs 21 and 23 for transmission of rotary power from the inner hub 21 to the outer hub 23 while permitting relative rotation therebetween in response to excessive loading. The propeller can include an exhaust gas outlet as disclosed in the previously identified Strang US. Pat. No. 3,356,151.  
  In accordance with the invention, the propeller shaft includes, in series, a forward cylindrical portion 31, a non-circular portion 33, a shouldered portion 35, and a rearward cylindrical portion 37.  
  The forward cylindrical portion 31 can have a diameter unchanged with respect to an adjacent propeller shaft portion within the lower unit, so as thereby to provide maximum strength for transmission of rotary power from the propeller shaft to the inner hub.  
 The non-circular portion 33 is located immediately rearwardly of the forward cylindrical portion 31, is only slightly smaller in cross sectional area, and has a maximum diametrical cross sectional dimension no greater than the diameter of the forward cylindrical portion 31. The non-cylindrical portion 33 preferably constitutes a splined portion but, any other suitable form can be employed to provide rotary driving engagement with the propeller 17.  
  The shouldered portion 35 is located immediately rearwardly of the non-circular portion 33 and can be formed with a taper or with a right angle.  
 The rearward cylindrical portion 37 is located immediately rearwardly ofthe shouldered portion 35 and has a diameter less than the smallest diametrical cross sectional dimension of the non-circular portion 33. The rearward cylindrical portion 37 can also include, at the rear thereof, a threaded part or portion 41. Alternatively, the rearward end of the propeller shaft 15 can include a threaded portion (not shown) which is of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the rearward cylindrical portion 37.  
  In further accordance with the invention, the inner hub 21 of the propeller 17 includes a bore 49 which telescopically receives the propeller shaft 15 and which, in series, includes a forward cylindrical portion 51, a non-circular portion 53, a shouldered portion 55, and a rearward cylindrical portion 57.  
  The forward cylindrical portion 51 is located in outward telescopic relation to the propeller shaft forward cylindrical portion 31 and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the propeller shaft forward cylindrical portion 31.  
  The non-circular portion 53 of the propeller inner hub bore 49 extends from the rearward end of the forward cylindrical portion 51 and has a configuration which interfits or mates with the noncircular portion 33 of the propeller shaft 15 so as to provide for transmission of rotary power between the propeller shaft 15 and the propeller inner hub 21, and to provide for axial movement between the propeller l7 and the propeller shaft 15 so as to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the propeller 17 from the propeller shaft 15.  
  The shouldered portion 55 of the propeller inner hub bore 49 extends from the rearward end of the noncircular portion 53 and has a configuration which mates with the shouldered portion 35 of the propeller shaft 15 so to limit forward movement of the inner hub 21 relative to the propeller shaft 15 i.e., to the left as shown in FIG. 1, and to thereby also transmit forward thrust from the inner hub 21 to the propeller shaft 15.  
  The rearward cylindrical portion 57 of the propeller inner hub bore 49 extends from the rearward end of the shouldered portion 55 in outwardly telescopic relation to the rearward cylindrical portion 37 of the propeller shaft 15 and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the propeller shaft rearward cylindrical portion 37.  
  Means are provided for transmitting forward thrust from the outer propeller hub 23 to the inner hub 21 and hence, to the propeller shaft 15 and for transmitting reverse thrust from the outer propeller hub 23 to the propeller shaft 15. With respect to forward thrust transmission, such means comprises formation of the inner hub 21 with a radially outwardly and integrally extending forward flange 61 having an outer rearwardly facing shoulder 63 formed by a cylindrical surface 65 receiving the forward portion 67 of the outer hub 23 in telescopic relation and by a radially extending surface 69 adapted to be engaged by the forward end of the outer hub forward portion 67 for transmission from the outer hub 23 to the inner hub 21 of forward thrust.  
  Transmission of rearward thrust to the propeller shaft 15 is provided by formation of the outer hub 23 with a rearward portion 71 having a radially inwardly projecting flange 73 including a central aperture 75 through which projects the aft end of the propeller inner hub 21. Suitable bearing sleeves 81 and 83 can be provided between the inner hub 21 and the outer hub 23 at their forward and rearward ends to prevent galling therebetween due to permissive relative rotation.  
  Cooperating with the inwardly projecting flange 73 of the outer hub 23 to provide reverse thrust transmission to the propeller shaft 15 is a combined washer and nut 85 which is received on the threaded part of the rearward cylindrical portion 37 of the propeller shaft 15, and which also serves to limit rearward movement of the propeller 17 and particularly, the inner hub 21 and the outer hub 23. Preferably, a cotter pin 87 is employed through the nut 85 and through the propeller shaft 15 to prevent unwanted rotation of the nut 85. The washer portion of the nut 85 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture 75 in the inwardly projecting flange 73 of the outer hub 23 so as to permit transmission of reverse thrust from the outer hub 23 through the combined washer and nut 85 to the propeller shaft 15.  
  Preferably, means are also provided for preventing angular movement of the outer hub flange 73 against the nut 85 during reverse thrust operation. Various arrangements can be provided. in FIG. 1, the sleeve 83 includes a radially outwardly extending flange 101 which separates the nut 85 from the rear flange 73 of the outer propeller hub 23 and which, additionally serves as bearing surface offering relatively small frictional resistance as compared to direct contact between the outer hub 23 and the nut 85.  
  In the construction shown in FIG. 1, the sleeve 83 is received in an annular recess 103 at the end of the outer surface of the inner hub 21 and between the inner hub 21 and the bore 75 of the outer hub flange 73. The construction shown in FIG. 2, utilizes a bearing 183 having a cylindrical portion=185 located &#39;l&#39;ietwe emthe rearward propeller shaftportitm 3,7 and the inner huh 21 and a radially outwardly projecting flange 187 extending between the nut 85 and each of the inner and outer propeller hubs 21 and 23 respectively. Other constructions can also be employed to &#34;provide a bearing member between the outer hub 23 and the nut 85.  
  In FIG. 3, the outer hub 23 and the nut 85 are separated by a washer 201 which is keyed to the propeller shaft 15 or otherwise prevented from rotating relative to the propeller shaft 15 and to the nut 85. &#39;lhus, angular movement of the outer hub 23 relative to the inner hub 21 does not involve angular movement against the nut 85.  
  If desired. a snap or retainer ring (not shown) could be mounted on the inner hub 21 between the washer 201 and the nut 85 in an annular groove (not shown) so as to prevent movement of the snap ring axially of the inner hub and thereby to permit transmission of reverse thrust from the outer hub 23 through the washer 201, to the snap ring, to the inner hub 21, and thence from the rearward end of the inner hub 21 to the nut 85. If the snap ring is mounted in the inner hub 21 so as to prevent rotary movement of the ring relative to the inner hub 21, then the washer 201 can be omitted.  
  FIG. 4 is illustrative of an arrangement which omits means for separating the outer hub 23 from the nut 85 to prevent angular movement of the outer hub 23 against the nut 85 during conditions of reverse thrust.  
  Also in accordance with the invention, means are provided for forwardly and rearwardly sealing the propeller shaft 15 to the inner propeller hub 21 to reduce corrosive action between the propeller 17 and the propeller shaft 15 and, in particular. in the region of the non-circular portions 33 and 53 so as thereby to facilitate propeller removal. In this regard, adjacent to each of the forward and rearward ends of the propeller 17,, one of either of the propeller shaft 15 or the adjacent cylindrical hub portions 51 and 57 is provided with an annular recess 205 which receives an O-ring 207 which, in turn, bears against the non-recessed surface to provide a water tight seal. Preferably, such recesses 205 are located in the inner hub 21 to avoid weakening the propeller shaft 15.  
  Still further in addition, if desired, the shouldered portion 55 of the inner hub 21 can be provided, as shown in FIG. 1, with a wear resistant insert 210 which can be of a stronger material than the hub 21 which is ordinarily cast from aluminum. Such an insert 210 can be of stainless steel.  
  The proposed mounting arrangement has the advan tage of omitting a major reduction in cross sectional propeller shaft size prior to the spline portion and is accordingly of stronger construction as compared to prior propeller shafts. In addition, the proposed construction, including the sealing arrangement, simplifies manufacture while affording ease of assembly and disassembly of the propeller 17 to the propeller shaft 15.  
  Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims:  
 What is claimed is:  
  l. A propeller mounting arrangement comprising a propeller shaft including, in series, a forward cylindri cal portion, a non-circular portion, a shouldered portion, and a rearward cylindrical portion having a diameter less than the diameter of said forward cylindrical portion, a propeller having an inner hub with a bore receiving said propeller shaft and includingjin series: a forward cylindricalportion located in outwardly telescopic relation&#39; to said propeller shaft forward cylindrical portioii&#39;fa &#39;nt&#39;ni-&#34;circula&#39;r-portion interfitting with said min-circular portion of said propeller shaft in &#34;rotary power transmitting engagement, at shouldered portion engaging said shouldered portion of said propeller shaft to prevent forward movement of said propeller relative to said propeller shaft and thereby to permit forward thrust transmission, and a rearward cylindrical portion located in outwardly telescopic relation to said propeller shaft rearward cylindrical portion, and means on said propeller shaft aft of said inner hub for preventing rearward movement of said propeller relative to said propeller shaft to thereby permit reverse thrust transmission from said propeller to said propeller shaft.  
  2. a propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said shouldered part of each of said propeller shaft and said inner hub bore is tapered.  
  3. A propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with claim 1 including seals between said forward cylindrical portions of said propeller shaft and said inner hub bore and between said rearward cylindrical portions of said propeller shaft and said inner hub bore.  
  4. A propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein said propeller also includes an outer hub having connected thereto a propeller blade and having a forward portion engageable with said inner hub to transmit forward thrust from said outer hub to said inner hub.  
  5. A propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with claim 4 wherein said propeller outer hub also includes a rearward portion with a bore having a diameter permitting passage therethrough of said inner hub.  
  6. A propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with claim 5 wherein said propeller shaft includes a threaded portion aft of said rearward cylindrical portion and wherein said means on said propeller shaft for preventing rearward movement of said propeller comprises a nut threaded on said threaded propeller shaft portion and having a diameter greater than the diameter of said bore in said outer hub rearward portion to thereby permit reverse thrust transmission from said rearward outer hub portion through said nut to said propeller shaft.  
  7. A propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with claim 6 wherein said means for preventing rearward movement of said propeller relative to said propeller shaft also includes means for preventing rotation of said outer hub against said nut.  
  8. A propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with claim 7 wherein said means for preventing rotation of said outer hub against said nut includes a member having a part extending between said outer hub and said nut.  
  9. A propeller mounting arrangement in accordance with claim 7 wherein said means for preventing rotation of said outer hub against said nut includes a washer located between said nut and! said outer hub and including means on said washer and on said propeller shaft preventing relative rotation therebetween.  
  10. A propeller having an inner hub with a bore receiving a propeller shaft and including, in series, a for ward cylindrical portion adapted to telescopically en- 8 I I. A propeller in accordance with claim 10 and furtlier including an outer hub having connected thereto a propeller blade and having a forward portion engageable with said inner hub to transmit forward thrust from said outer hub to said inner hub.