Propulsion device support mechanism

Abstract

A propulsion device support mechanism includes: a support member configured to support a propulsion device of a hull such that the propulsion device is swingable relative to the hull by forward and backward movement of a rod. The support member includes a receiving portion that receives a top end portion of the rod. The receiving portion has a convex surface protruding toward the top end portion of the rod. The convex surface has a uniform shape regardless of a position in a direction along a shaft of the support member such that the top end portion of the rod and the convex surface are in line contact.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A propulsion device support mechanism comprising:
 a support member configured to support a propulsion device of a hull such that the propulsion device is swingable relative to the hull by forward and backward movement of a rod, wherein   the support member includes a receiving portion that receives a top end portion of the rod,   the receiving portion has a convex surface protruding toward the top end portion of the rod, and   the convex surface has a uniform shape regardless of a position in a direction along a shaft of the support member such that the top end portion of the rod and the convex surface are in line contact.   
     
     
         2 . The propulsion device support mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 when viewed from the direction along the shaft of the support member,
 the convex surface is a curved surface having a shape bulging toward the top end portion of the rod, and 
 the top end portion of the rod includes a planar rod flat surface portion. 
   
     
     
         3 . The propulsion device support mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein
 the receiving portion is restricted from rotating relative to the support member.   
     
     
         4 . The propulsion device support mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein
 of the convex surface, a maximum curvature portion having a largest radius of curvature is included in a range in which the convex surface slides relative to the top end portion of the rod.   
     
     
         5 . The propulsion device support mechanism according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a fixing portion that is integrated with the receiving portion and fixes the receiving portion to the support member, wherein   the fixing portion is formed with a male thread, and   the receiving portion is fixed to the support member by a female screw member having a female thread configured to be fastened to the male thread.   
     
     
         6 . The propulsion device support mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the support member includes a receiving portion support portion that faces the rod and supports the receiving portion,   the receiving portion includes a supported portion supported by the receiving portion support portion, and   the supported portion and the receiving portion support portion are in surface contact with each other.   
     
     
         7 . The propulsion device support mechanism according to  claim 1 , further comprising a solid single member in which the receiving portion and a fixing portion that fixes the receiving portion to the support member are integrated. 
     
     
         8 . A propulsion device support mechanism comprising:
 a support member configured to support a propulsion device of a hull such that the propulsion device is swingable relative to the hull by forward and backward movement of a rod, wherein   the support member is provided with a swingable receiving member that receives a top end portion of the rod, and   the top end portion of the rod and the receiving member are in surface contact with each other.