CN118790448A - Marine propulsion system with accommodated trim cylinders - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a propulsion system for a vessel, in particular a propulsion system (1) for a vessel (40), with a housed trim cylinder, the propulsion system (1) comprising: a drive unit (10); -a transom bracket (20) for attaching the drive unit (10) to a transom (42) of the vessel (40); and an actuator (30) for moving the drive unit (10), wherein the transom bracket (20) comprises a wall structure (22) arranged to shield the actuator (30) from water. The present disclosure also relates to a vessel (40).

Description

Marine propulsion system with accommodated trim cylinders

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to marine propulsion. In particular aspects, the present disclosure relates to a propulsion system for a marine vessel. The present disclosure may be applied to marine vessels, such as watercraft, motorboats, workboats, sport boats, sailboats, dinghies, ships, and other marine vessel types. Although the present disclosure may be described with respect to a particular marine vessel, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular marine vessel.

Background Art

A vessel may be provided with one or more drive units to propel the vessel in water. There are various solutions for suspending a drive unit, some of which are configured to move the drive unit. For example, prior art solutions may allow a drive unit to be partially or completely raised above the waterline of the vessel. Some prior art solutions may allow a drive unit to be rotated relative to the vessel, for example to control the thrust angle of the drive unit.

Prior art solutions suffer from various disadvantages, such as bulky, complex and costly designs and/or relatively high requirements for repair and maintenance.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a propulsion system for a vessel, the propulsion system comprising: a drive unit; a transom bracket for attaching the drive unit to a transom of the vessel; and an actuator for moving the drive unit, wherein the transom bracket comprises a wall structure arranged to shield the actuator from water.

A first aspect of the present disclosure may seek to protect the actuator. For example, the actuator may be protected from mechanical damage and/or from water and other substances. Because the actuator is shielded from water, marine growth thereon may be avoided or at least minimized. Furthermore, corrosion may be avoided or minimized. Shielding the actuator using the transom bracket itself may be particularly cost effective. Furthermore, the actuator may be easily accessible through the transom bracket from the inboard side of the vessel for maintenance and other purposes.

Optionally, the propulsion system is configured such that the actuator can pivot the drive unit about an axis. The axis may be substantially horizontal and may be referred to as the trim axis.

Optionally, the wall structure defines a support volume adapted to accommodate at least a part of the actuator. The wall structure may provide particularly good protection if the wall structure accommodates at least a part of the actuator. The wall structure may be adapted to support the drive unit.

Optionally, the actuator comprises a drive end adapted to be connected to the drive unit and a vessel end adapted to be connected to the vessel, and the support volume is adapted to accommodate the drive end of the actuator.

Optionally, the wall structure comprises an open side or wall structure opening facing the transom. The open side or wall structure opening may be positioned on the bow end of the wall structure. The open side or wall structure opening may be connected to the inboard volume of the vessel. Thus, access to the interior of the wall structure may be provided from within the inboard volume.

Optionally, the open side or wall structure opening is adapted to be positioned above a transom opening in the transom. Thus, the wall structure can seal the transom opening.

Optionally, the wall structure comprises a bottom portion, a stern portion, a starboard portion and a port portion. The wall structure may also comprise a top portion. Thus, the wall structure may shield the actuator from multiple directions.

Optionally, the actuator is a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or an electric actuator.

Optionally, the actuator comprises a drive end adapted to be connected to the drive unit and a vessel end adapted to be connected to the vessel, the propulsion system further comprising a rod adapted to connect the drive end of the actuator to the drive unit.The rod may be arranged inside the wall structure.

Optionally, the rod is connected to a shaft that can be rotated to pivot the drive unit.The shaft may be substantially horizontal.

Optionally, the actuator is adapted to be connected to the hull of the vessel.Thereby, the actuator can be rigidly connected to the vessel.

Optionally, the actuator is adapted to be connected to a reinforcing structure of the hull. Such a structure may provide a particularly stable attachment point.

Optionally, the actuator extends through the transom. For example, the transom may include a transom opening through which the actuator extends. The wall structure of the transom bracket may include a wall structure opening adapted to be positioned above the transom opening. The actuator may extend through the transom opening and through the wall structure opening. The wall structure may be adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the actuator extending through the wall structure opening. In this manner, the transom opening may be sealed by the wall structure of the transom bracket, and the actuator may be completely shielded by the wall structure itself.

Optionally, the drive unit comprises a support part and a thrust part, wherein the thrust part is rotatable relative to the support part about the steering axis to direct the thrust of the drive unit. Technical benefits may include that the design of the transom bracket and other components described above may be simplified, as the thrust may be directed by rotating the thrust part relative to the support part. In other words, the drive unit does not need to be movably attached to the vessel to allow the thrust to be directed for steering purposes.

When the propulsion unit is operated to propel the vessel, the steering axis may be substantially vertical.

Optionally, the drive unit comprises an electric propulsion motor. Thus, the propulsion system may be an electric propulsion system. The propulsion system may be a forward or reverse drive propulsion system. For example, the propulsion system may be a forward drive electric propulsion system. If the drive unit comprises a support part and a thrust part rotatable relative to the support part about a steering axis to direct the thrust of the drive unit, the propulsion system may be a forward and reverse drive propulsion system. Thus, the propulsion system may be a forward and reverse drive electric propulsion system. The drive unit may comprise one propeller or two counter-rotating propellers.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vessel comprising a propulsion system as described herein. The advantages of the second aspect of the present disclosure correspond to those of the first aspect.

The disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and/or the appended claims may be appropriately combined with each other, which is obvious to any person skilled in the art. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the detailed description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be obvious to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary side view of a marine propulsion system including a drive unit.

FIG. 2 corresponds to FIG. 1 , but shows the drive unit in another pivoted position.

FIG. 3 is a second exemplary view of a marine propulsion system.

FIG. 4 is a third exemplary view of a marine propulsion system.

Specific implementation plan

The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

The inventive concept of the present disclosure relates to utilizing a transom bracket to shelter (optionally house) a drive unit actuator. The present disclosure can solve the problem of providing a cost-effective, compact, robust and long-life marine propulsion system requiring less repair and maintenance than prior art solutions.

1 and 2 show a first exemplary propulsion system 1 for a vessel 40. The propulsion system 1 comprises a drive unit 10 and a transom bracket 20 for attaching the drive unit 10 to the vessel 40. FIG1 shows the drive unit 10 in a neutral trim position (pivoted position), while FIG2 also schematically shows the stern of the vessel 40, said stern comprising a transom 42 to which the transom bracket 20 is fixed.

The propulsion system 1 comprises an actuator 30 for moving the drive unit 10. In the present example, the actuator 30 is arranged to tilt or pitch the drive unit 10 about a pitch or tilt axis A (shown in FIG. 1 ). The pitch movement (pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis) of the drive unit is represented by the arcuate double-headed arrow in FIG.

According to the present disclosure, the transom bracket 20 includes a wall structure 22 arranged to shield the actuator 30 from water in which the vessel 40 operates. It should be understood that the wall structure 22 can also shield the actuator 30 from water and other substances when the vessel 40 is not in the water.

With particular reference to FIG. 2 , the propulsion system 1 may be configured such that the actuator 30 may pivot the drive unit 10 about an axis A (double-headed arrow).

Axis A may be at least substantially horizontal, and may be referred to as trim axis A in this example.

As shown, the wall structure 22 of the transom bracket 20 can define a bracket volume 20v adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the actuator 30. FIGS. 1 and 2 show examples where the volume 20v is adapted to accommodate a portion of the actuator 30, while FIGS. 3 and 4 show examples where the volume 20v is adapted to accommodate the entire actuator 30. Thus, the transom bracket 20 can accommodate at least a portion of the actuator 30 or can accommodate the entire actuator 30. As disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shape of the wall structure 22 can be adapted to accommodate the rod 36 and allow the rod 36 to pivot within the wall structure 22. The following description applies to all examples disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 4 unless otherwise stated.

The actuator 30 may comprise a drive end 32 adapted to be connected to the drive unit 10 and a vessel end 34 adapted to be connected to the vessel 40. The support volume 20v of the present invention is adapted to accommodate at least the drive end 32 of the actuator 30.

As can be understood from FIGS. 1 to 4 , although the wall structure 22 is shown only in a schematic cross-sectional side view, the wall structure 22 of the present invention may also be substantially box-shaped. The wall structure 22 of the present invention comprises one open side (to the left) facing the transom 42. In an example not depicted, the wall structure may alternatively comprise a wall structure opening, which is included in the side facing the transom 42. In other words, such a wall structure opening may form part of the side of the wall structure.

As shown, the open side of the wall structure 22 may be adapted to be positioned over the transom opening 44 in the transom 42. Thus, the transom opening 44 may be sealed by the wall structure 22 of the transom bracket 20.

Furthermore, although the wall structure 22 is shown only in a schematic cross-sectional side view, it should be understood that the wall structure 22 may include a bottom portion 22a, a stern portion 22b, a starboard portion 22e, and a port portion 22d. These portions (shown in FIG. 1 ) may form an enclosure that shields the actuator 30. In this example, the wall structure 22 includes a top portion 22c, so that the wall structure 22 surrounds the actuator portion 30 on all sides except the side facing the transom 42.

The actuator 30 of the present invention is a linear actuator, which can be a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric actuator.

Likewise, the actuator 30 may include a drive end 32 and a vessel end 34. The drive end 32 may be adapted to be connected to the drive unit 10, and the vessel end 34a may be adapted to be connected to the vessel 40. A rod 36 (shown in FIG. 1 ) may be provided that is adapted to connect the drive end 32 of the actuator 30 to the drive unit 10.

As shown, the drive unit 10 can be fixed to the shaft 24. The shaft 24 can be rotated to pivot the drive unit 10. The shaft 24 can be referred to as a pitch shaft or a tilt shaft. A rod 36 can be connected to the shaft 24 so that the linear actuator 30 can pivot the drive unit 10. The shaft 24 can be aligned with the vertical upper portion of the wall structure 22. The rod 36 can be housed inside the wall structure 22 and can extend generally vertically downward from the shaft 24. The linear actuator 30 can be referred to as a pitch actuator or a tilt actuator. The linear actuator 30 can be referred to as a pitch cylinder.

1 and 2, the actuator 30 may be adapted to be connected to the hull of a vessel 40. More specifically, the vessel end 34 of the actuator 30 may be adapted to be connected to the hull of the vessel 40. As shown, the actuator 30 may be adapted to be connected to a reinforcement structure of the hull, such as a longitudinal girder structure.

Typically, the transom bracket 20 is primarily made of metal to provide a rigid support for the drive unit 10. At least the load-bearing parts of the transom bracket 20 may be made of metal. The wall structure 22 may be primarily made of metal and may be adapted to support the drive unit 10. In this example, the wall structure 22 is adapted to support a shaft 24, which in turn supports the drive unit 10. Thus, the wall structure 22 may be used to support the drive unit 10 and also shield the actuator 30. Alternatively, the transom bracket 20 may include an internal support structure, not depicted, that supports the shaft 24.

The propulsion system 1 may comprise a not depicted power line extending through the transom bracket 20 to the drive unit 10. The drive unit 10 may comprise an electric propulsion motor powered by the power line.

1 and 2, the actuator 30 may extend through the transom 42, more precisely, through the aforementioned transom opening 44 in the transom 42. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the actuator 30 does not extend through the transom 42, but is positioned entirely within the transom bracket 20.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , in this example, the propulsion system 1 is not configured so that the actuator 30 can raise (pivot) the entire drive unit 10 above the waterline of the vessel 40. The waterline is not shown in the drawings, but is typically located above the transom bracket 20, i.e., just above the top portion 22 c of the wall structure 22. In this example, the drive unit 10 can be pivoted a few degrees toward the vessel 40 (negative trim, here counterclockwise) and about 30 degrees away from the vessel (positive trim, here clockwise). Therefore, the linear actuator 30 of the present invention can be referred to as a trim actuator or a trim cylinder.

In an embodiment not depicted, the propulsion system may be configured such that the drive unit may be tilted almost completely or completely upward above the waterline of the vessel.

The transom bracket 20 of the present invention is configured to be disposed on the rear side of the transom 42 of the vessel 40 and does not extend to the bow side of the transom 42. Although not disclosed in detail, it is understood that the transom bracket 20 may, for example, include a plurality of attachment through holes that facilitate bolting to the vessel.

With specific reference to FIG. 1 , the drive unit 10 may include a support part 10a and a thrust part 10b. Typically, the support part 10a is an upper part, and the thrust part 10b is a lower part. An electric propulsion motor (not visible) may be arranged inside the thrust part 10b. A steering actuator (not visible) may be arranged inside the support part 10a. The thrust part 10b may rotate relative to the support part 10a around a steering axis B (double-headed arrow around axis B in FIG. 1 ) to guide the thrust of the drive unit 10. Thus, the drive unit 10 (support part 10a and thrust part 10b) may pivot around a trim axis A, and the thrust part 10b of the drive unit 10 may rotate around a steering axis B. In this example, the support part 10a is not rotatable around the steering axis B. The examples of FIGS. 3 and 4 may also include such a support part 10a and a thrust part 10b.

It will be appreciated that the propulsion system 1 of the present invention may also be used with other types of drive units pivotably attached to the vessel for steering purposes. For example, the propulsion unit does not comprise the support part 10a and the thrust part 10b as described above.

The drive unit may (as disclosed) comprise two propellers arranged to rotate in opposite directions, or comprise only one propeller, or comprise another type of propulsion solution, such as a water jet.

The propulsion system 1 may be an electric propulsion system, i.e. the propulsion may be driven by an electric motor (not visible) powered by an onboard battery (not shown). As mentioned above, the electric motor may be arranged in the thrust part 10b. However, the present disclosure does not exclude the presence of a combustion engine powering a generator driving, for example, an electric motor arranged in the thrust part. Alternatively, the drive unit 10 may include a combustion engine.

The propulsion system 1 may be a forward or reverse drive propulsion system, more precisely a forward or reverse electric drive propulsion system. Figures 1, 2 and 4 disclose a reverse drive electric propulsion system, and Figure 3 discloses a forward drive propulsion system. The propulsion system may be a forward and reverse drive propulsion system if the drive unit comprises a support part 10a and a thrust part 10b rotatable relative to the support part about a steering axis to direct the thrust of the drive unit.

In the accompanying drawings, the wall structure 22 of the transom bracket 20 is shown as being located in front of the drive unit 10, i.e., closer to the observer. In other words, the wall structure 22 of the present invention is located on the port side of the drive unit 10. Alternatively, the wall structure 22 may be located on the starboard side of the drive unit 10. In a practical implementation of the present example, the transom bracket 20 may include a wall structure, or a separate wall structure located on both the port and starboard sides of the drive unit 10. The shaft 24 may extend from the port wall structure to the starboard wall structure. The actuator 20 may be positioned (partially or completely) in one of the port wall structure and the starboard wall structure.

In more detail, the present figure shows a vessel 40 having a transom 42. A transom bracket 20 is bolted to the transom 42 and comprises a box-like wall structure 22 protruding to the rear of the transom 42. The wall structure 42 pivotably supports a shaft 24 to which the drive unit 10 is fixed. Thus, the shaft 24 can be pivoted to raise and lower the drive unit 10 relative to the vessel 40. In this example, the shaft can only be pivoted to such an extent that the trim of the drive unit 10 is controlled, so that the drive unit 10 cannot pivot (tilt) above the waterline of the vessel 40. The shaft 24 of the present invention extends in a transverse direction (port to starboard) behind the transom 42. The trim cylinder 30 is connected to the shaft 24 via a rod 36. Thus, the trim of the drive unit is controlled when the length of the trim cylinder is typically modified by an operator or an onboard computer. It should be understood that the stroke of the trim cylinder 30 and the size of the rod 36 can be modified to achieve the desired trim (or tilt) behavior. The support part 10a of the drive unit 10 is attached to the shaft 24, and the thrust part 10b can be rotated relative to the support part 10a to steer the vessel and, optionally, to such an extent that thrust is reversed.

Examples are also disclosed under the following terms:

1. A propulsion system (1) for a ship (40), the propulsion system (1) comprising:

- a drive unit (10);

- a transom bracket (20) for attaching the drive unit (10) to a transom (42) of the vessel (40); and

- an actuator (30) for moving the drive unit (10),

The transom bracket (20) comprises a wall structure (22) arranged to shield the actuator (30) from water.

2. A propulsion system (1) according to clause 1, configured such that the actuator (30) is capable of pivoting the drive unit (10) about an axis (A).

3. A propulsion system (1) according to clause 1, configured such that the actuator (30) is capable of pivoting the drive unit (10) about a substantially horizontal axis (A).

4. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the wall structure (22) of the transom bracket (20) is configured to support the drive unit (10).

5. A propulsion system (1) as described in any preceding clause, wherein the wall structure (22) defines a support volume (20v) suitable for accommodating at least a part of the actuator (30).

6. A propulsion system (1) as described in claim 5, wherein the actuator (30) includes a drive end (32) suitable for connection to the drive unit (10) and a vessel end (34) suitable for connection to the vessel (40), and wherein the support volume (20v) is suitable for accommodating the drive end (32) of the actuator (30).

7. A propulsion system (1) according to any preceding clause, wherein the wall structure (22) comprises an open side or wall structure opening facing the transom (42).

8. A propulsion system (1) as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the wall structure (22) is essentially box-shaped.

9. The propulsion system (1) of clause 8, wherein the open side or wall structure opening is adapted to be positioned above a transom opening (44) in the transom (42).

10. A propulsion system (1) as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the wall structure (22) includes a bottom part (22a), a stern part (22b), a starboard part (22e) and a port part (22d), and optionally includes a top part (22c).

11. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the actuator (30) is a linear actuator.

12. A propulsion system (1) as described in claim 11, wherein the actuator (30) includes a drive end (32) suitable for connecting to the drive unit (10) and a ship end (34) suitable for connecting to the ship (40), and the propulsion system (1) also includes a rod (36) suitable for connecting the drive end (32) of the actuator (30) to the drive unit (10).

13. The propulsion system (1) according to clause 12, wherein the rod (36) is connected to a shaft (24) which is rotatable to pivot the drive unit (10).

14. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the actuator (30) is adapted to be connected to the hull of the vessel (40).

15. Propulsion system (1) according to clause 14, wherein the actuator (30) is adapted to be connected to a reinforcement structure of the hull.

16. The propulsion system (1) according to clause 15, wherein the actuator (30) is adapted to be connected to a longitudinal stringer structure (44).

17. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the transom bracket (20) is mainly made of metal.

18. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a power line extending through the transom bracket (20) to the drive unit (10).

19. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the drive unit (10) comprises an electric propulsion motor.

20. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the actuator (30) extends through the transom (42).

21. A propulsion system (1) as claimed in any preceding clause, configured such that the actuator (30) is capable of raising the drive unit (10) above the waterline of the vessel (40).

22. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the linear actuator (30) is a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder or an electric rod actuator.

23. The propulsion system (1) of any preceding clause, wherein the transom bracket (20) is configured to be arranged behind the transom (42) of the vessel (40) and does not extend to the bow side of the transom.

24. The propulsion system (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the drive unit (10) is optionally pivotably attached to the vessel (60) about an at least substantially horizontal axis.

25. A propulsion system (1) according to any preceding clause, configured such that a thrust angle, such as a pitch angle, of the drive unit (10) can be controlled by the actuator (30).

26. A propulsion system (1) as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the drive unit (10) comprises a support part (10a) and a thrust part (10b), wherein the thrust part (10b) is capable of rotating around a steering axis (B) relative to the support part (10a) to guide the thrust of the drive unit (10).

27. A vessel (40) comprising a propulsion system (1) as described in any preceding clause.

The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific aspects and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that when used herein, the terms "include" and/or "comprising" indicate the presence of the features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements and/or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, parts and/or their groups.

It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

Relative terms such as "below" or "above", or "upper" or "lower", or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to cover different device orientations in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or directly coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intermediate elements.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise clearly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. In the drawings and description, various aspects have been disclosed for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and the scope of the present disclosure is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A propulsion system (1) for a vessel (40), the propulsion system (1) comprising:

-a drive unit (10);

-a transom bracket (20) for attaching the drive unit (10) to a transom (42) of the vessel (40); and

An actuator (30) for moving the drive unit (10),

Wherein the transom bracket (20) comprises a wall structure (22) arranged to shield the actuator (30) from water.

2. Propulsion system (1) according to claim 1, configured such that the actuator (30) is capable of pivoting the drive unit (10) about an axis (a), optionally about a substantially horizontal axis.

3. Propulsion system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall structure (22) defines a holder volume (20 v) adapted to accommodate at least a part of the actuator (30).

4. A propulsion system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the actuator (30) comprises a drive end (32) adapted to be connected to the drive unit (10) and a vessel end (34) adapted to be connected to the vessel (40), and wherein the holder volume (20 v) is adapted to accommodate the drive end (32) of the actuator (30).

5. The propulsion system (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the wall structure (22) comprises a wall structure opening facing the transom (42), and the wall structure opening is adapted to be positioned above a transom opening (44) in the transom (42).

6. A propulsion system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall structure (22) comprises a bottom portion (22 a), a stern portion (22 b), a starboard portion (22 e) and a port portion (22 d), and optionally a top portion (22 c).

7. A propulsion system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator (30) is a linear actuator.

8. Propulsion system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the linear actuator (30) is a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or an electric rod actuator.

9. Propulsion system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the actuator (30) comprises a drive end (32) adapted to be connected to the drive unit (10) and a vessel end (34) adapted to be connected to the vessel (40), the propulsion system (1) further comprising a rod (36) adapted to connect the drive end (32) of the actuator (30) to the drive unit (10).

10. Propulsion system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the lever (36) is connected to a shaft (24) which can be rotated to pivot the drive unit (10).

11. The propulsion system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (30) is adapted to be connected to a hull of the vessel (40).

12. Propulsion system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the actuator (30) is adapted to be connected to a stiffening structure of the hull.

13. Propulsion system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the actuator (30) is adapted to be connected to a stringer (44).

14. The propulsion system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a power line extending through the transom bracket (20) to the drive unit (10).

15. A propulsion system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive unit (10) comprises an electric propulsion motor.

16. The propulsion system (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator (30) extends through the transom (42).

17. The propulsion system (1) of any preceding claim, configured such that the actuator (30) is capable of raising the drive unit (10) above the draft of the vessel (40).

18. The propulsion system (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the transom bracket (20) is configured to be arranged at a rear side of the transom (42) of the vessel (40) and not extend to a bow side of the transom.

19. The propulsion system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (10) comprises a support part (10 a) and a thrust part (10B), wherein the thrust part (10B) is rotatable relative to the support part (10 a) about a steering axis (B) to guide the thrust of the drive unit (10).

20. A vessel (40) comprising a propulsion system (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.