Boat propulsion system and boat

Abstract

The boat propulsion system includes a boat main propulsion device, a boat auxiliary propulsion device having a maximum output smaller than the maximum output of the boat main propulsion device, and a controller provided in the boat auxiliary propulsion device, and when a first condition of the boat auxiliary propulsion device is met, the controller performs an information process to notify the outside of the occurrence of the first condition.

Description

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a boat propulsion system and a boat.

[0002] Boats equipped with multiple boat propulsion devices of the same output have been known. When an abnormality occurs in an outboard motor for a boat, such as the internal combustion engine not rotating, a buzzer sounds to warn the user (see, e.g., JP S62-237034 A, JP H1-36398 A, JP 2021-11202 A).

[0003] In a boat equipped with multiple boat propulsion devices having different characteristics (e.g., different maximum output), there was room for improvement in a boat propulsion system that issues the above warning for a boat propulsion device used as an auxiliary propulsion device that assists a main propulsion device. These are common issues in the case of monitoring not only abnormalities but also various conditions in a boat propulsion device used as an auxiliary propulsion device. These are also common issues for boats equipped with boat systems.

[0004] This specification discloses a technology that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein can be implemented in the following aspects. (1) The boat propulsion system disclosed herein includes a boat main propulsion device, a boat auxiliary propulsion device having a maximum output smaller than the maximum output of the boat main propulsion device, and a controller provided in the boat auxiliary propulsion device. When an abnormality occurs in the boat auxiliary propulsion device, the controller performs an information process to notify the outside of the abnormality. This boat propulsion system can notify the user of an abnormality that has occurred in the boat auxiliary propulsion device of the boat propulsion system, by executing the information process when the abnormality is detected in the boat auxiliary propulsion device of the boat propulsion system. (2) In the above boat propulsion system, the boat auxiliary propulsion device may include a control device that controls the power of the boat auxiliary propulsion device, and the abnormality may be an abnormality in the control device. According to this configuration, in the boat auxiliary propulsion device of the boat propulsion system, an alert is generated when an abnormality occurs in the control device of the boat auxiliary propulsion device. This allows the user or other crew members to know about the abnormality even if they are away from the boat auxiliary propulsion device. (3) In the above boat propulsion system, the boat auxiliary propulsion device may include an electric power source, and the abnormality may be that the storage capacity of the electric power source falls below a certain level. According to this configuration, in the boat auxiliary propulsion device of the boat propulsion system, an alert is generated when the storage capacity of the electric power source falls below a certain level. (4) The above boat propulsion system may further include an alert device, wherein the controller may output a signal by executing the information process, and the alert device may perform an alert action to notify the outside of the abnormality based on the signal. According to this configuration, when an abnormality occurs in the auxiliary propulsion device of the boat propulsion system, the alert device notifies the user or other crew members, enabling them to be aware of the abnormality even when they are away from the device. (5) The above boat propulsion system may further include an operation device, and the alert device may be provided at the operation device. According to this configuration, since the alert device for abnormality notification is provided at the operation device, when the boat auxiliary propulsion device meets a condition corresponding to an abnormality, the user or other crew can know about the abnormality while steering the boat. (6) In the above boat propulsion system, the operation device may be a joystick unit. According to this configuration, since the alert device is provided at the operation device of the boat main propulsion device, when the boat auxiliary propulsion device meets a condition corresponding to an abnormality, the user or other crew can know about the abnormality while steering the boat. (7) In the above boat propulsion system, the alert device may perform a light-emitting action in accordance with the abnormality. According to this configuration, since the alert device performs a light-emitting action in accordance with the abnormality, the user can know whether the boat auxiliary propulsion device meets a condition corresponding to an abnormality while maintaining a quiet environment. (8) The above boat propulsion system may have a use mode in which the boat main propulsion device is deactivated and the boat auxiliary propulsion device is activated. According to this configuration, the user can determine that the boat auxiliary propulsion device meets a condition corresponding to an abnormality without operating the boat main propulsion device of the boat propulsion system. (9) A boat may include a boat body and the above boat propulsion system mounted on the boat body. (10) A boat disclosed herein includes a boat main propulsion device, a boat auxiliary propulsion device having a maximum output smaller than the maximum output of the boat main propulsion device, and a controller. When a first condition of the boat auxiliary propulsion device is met, the controller performs an information process to notify the outside of the occurrence of the first condition.

[0006] According to the boat propulsion system disclosed herein, when an abnormality is detected or certain conditions are met in the boat auxiliary propulsion device of the boat propulsion system, the information process can be performed to notify the outside of the abnormality in the boat auxiliary propulsion device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a boat. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration of a boat main propulsion device. FIG. 3 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration of a boat auxiliary propulsion device. FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a drive unit of a boat auxiliary propulsion device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a boat. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of abnormality alerts for a boat auxiliary propulsion device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSA. EMBODIMENT:A-1. CONFIGURATION OF BOAT 1:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a boat 1. FIG. 1 and other drawings described below show arrows representing each direction with respect to the position of the boat 1. More specifically, each figure shows arrows representing front (FRONT), rear (REAR), left (LEFT), right (RIGHT), upper (UPPER), and lower (LOWER) directions, respectively. The front-rear direction, left-right direction, and upper-lower direction (vertical direction) are orthogonal to each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the boat 1 includes a boat body 10, a boat main propulsion device 100 (hereinafter referred to as "main propulsion device 100"), and a boat auxiliary propulsion device 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "auxiliary propulsion device 200"). The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is a boat auxiliary propulsion device for assisting the main propulsion device 100.

[0009] The boat body 10 is a part of the boat 1 for the user (crew) to ride. The boat body 10 includes a boat main body 12, a pilot seat 16, and an operation device 17.

[0010] The boat main body 12 includes a living space 11. The pilot seat 16 is installed in the living space 11. The operation device 17 is located in the front side of the pilot seat 16. The boat body 10 further includes a partition wall 13 and a transom 14. The partition wall 13 divides the rear side of the living space 11. The transom 14 is located at the rear end of the boat body 10. In the front-rear direction, a space 15 exists between the transom 14 and the partition wall 13.OPERATION DEVICE 17

[0011] The operation device 17 is located near the pilot seat 16. The operation device 17 is a device for boat steering. The operation device 17 includes a main operation device 50, an auxiliary operation device 60, a first alert device 50A, and a second alert device 60A. The main operation device 50 is an operation device for operating the main propulsion device 100. The auxiliary operation device 60 is an operation device for operating the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The main operation device 50 and the auxiliary operation device 60 include, e.g., a steering wheel 52, a shift / throttle lever 54, a joystick unit 62, an input device 56, and a display device 58. The steering wheel 52 is an operation device for steering the boat 1. The shift / throttle lever 54 is an operation device for performing a shifting operation and a propulsion force change operation of the boat 1. The joystick unit 62 is an operation device for performing a steering operation of the boat 1 and a shifting operation and a propulsion force change operation of the boat 1. The display device 58 is, e.g., a liquid crystal display and displays various images (e.g., operation images) related to the boat 1. The input device 56 is, e.g., a button for changing the steering mode and the like. In this embodiment, the main operation device 50 is the steering wheel 52, the shift / throttle lever 54, and the input device 56. The auxiliary operation device 60 is the joystick unit 62.

[0012] The first alert device 50A and the second alert device 60A are devices that notify the user of the condition of the boat 1 including, e.g., abnormalities in the boat 1. The first alert device 50A is mounted on the main operation device 50. The second alert device 60A is mounted on the auxiliary operation device 60. The first alert device 50A is, e.g., a lamp 52Amounted on the shift / throttle lever 54, and also the display device 58. The second alert device 60A is, e.g., a lamp mounted on the joystick unit 62. The first alert device 50A and the second alert device 60A (hereinafter collectively referred to as "alert device 40A") perform a light-emitting action. The alert device 40A includes fluorescent lamps, light-emitting diodes, and liquid crystal monitors, among others.A-2. CONFIGURATION OF MAIN PROPULSION DEVICE 100:

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a configuration of the main propulsion device 100. The main propulsion device 100 is the main device that generates thrust to propel the boat 1. The main propulsion device 100 is an internal combustion type propulsion device driven by an engine. In the following, the main propulsion device 100 in its reference attitude is described unless otherwise noted. The reference attitude is the attitude of the main propulsion device 100 when the boat 1 is running (the attitude shown in FIG. 1), where the propeller rotation axis of the propeller 132 (described below) extends in the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction, left-right direction, and upper-lower direction are each defined based on the main propulsion device 100 in the reference attitude.

[0014] The main propulsion device 100 is attached to the transom 14 located at the rear portion (aft) of the boat body 10 (see FIG. 1). The main propulsion device 100 includes a main propulsion device main body 101 and a suspension device 102.CONFIGURATION OF MAIN PROPULSION DEVICE MAIN BODY 101

[0015] The main propulsion device main body 101 includes a cowl 112, a casing 116, and a propeller 132.

[0016] The cowl 112 is a housing located in the upper portion of the main propulsion device main body 101. The cowl 112 has an upper cowl 113 and a lower cowl 114. The upper cowl 113 constitutes the upper portion of the cowl 112. The lower cowl 114 constitutes the lower portion of the cowl 112. The upper cowl 113 is removably attached to the lower cowl 114. The cowl 112 accommodates the engine assembly (not shown), which is a collection of multiple parts including the engine body 122, described below.

[0017] The casing 116 is a housing located in the lower portion of the main propulsion device main body 101. The casing 116 is located below the cowl 112. The casing 116 has an upper case 117 and a lower case 118. The upper case 117 constitutes the upper portion of the casing 116. The lower case 118 constitutes the lower portion of the casing 116.

[0018] The propeller 132 is a rotating member having a plurality of blades. The propeller 132 is rotated by the driving force from the engine body 122. The propeller 132 generates thrust for the boat 1 by rotating.CONFIGURATION OF SUSPENSION DEVICE 102

[0019] The suspension device 102 is a device that suspends the main propulsion device main body 101 to the boat body 10. The suspension device 102 rotates the main propulsion device main body 101 around the tilt axis At. This enables tilting action to rotate the main propulsion device main body 101 in the upper-lower direction with respect to the boat body 10.A-3. CONFIGURATION OF AUXILIARY PROPULSION DEVICE 200:

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a side view schematically illustrating a configuration of the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is a device that generates thrust to propel the boat 1. The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is a boat auxiliary propulsion device that assists the main propulsion device 100. The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is an electric propulsion device driven by an electric motor. In the following, unless otherwise noted, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 in its reference attitude is described. The reference attitude is the attitude of the auxiliary propulsion device 200 when the boat 1 is running (the attitude shown in FIG. 1), and is the attitude in which the propeller rotation axis L of the propeller 232 (described below) extends in the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the upper-lower direction are defined based on the auxiliary propulsion device 200 in the reference attitude.

[0021] The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is attached to the transom 14 located at the rear portion (aft) of the boat body 10 (see FIG. 1). The auxiliary propulsion device 200 includes an auxiliary propulsion device main body 201 and a suspension device 202. The suspension device 202 is the same as the suspension device 102 of the main propulsion device 100, so the description is omitted.

[0022] The auxiliary propulsion device main body 201 includes a cowl 210, a middle housing 224, a lower housing 226, a duct 222, and a drive unit 230.

[0023] The cowl 210 is located in the upper portion of the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The cowl 210 is a cover that accommodates, e.g., various wirings and other components.

[0024] The middle housing 224 is located below the cowl 210 in the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The middle housing 224 is a cover that accommodates, e.g., the auxiliary steering device 250 described below and various wirings.

[0025] The lower housing 226 is located below the middle housing 224 in the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The lower housing 226 is a cover that accommodates, e.g., the auxiliary MCU 238 described below and various wirings. The lower housing 226 is freely rotatable about the axis (steering axis) along the upper-lower direction with respect to the middle housing 224.

[0026] The duct 222 is located below the lower housing 226 in the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The duct 222 is tubular. The duct 222 is positioned lower than the water surface W in the reference attitude. The drive unit 230 is located radially inner side of the duct 222. A stator fin 233 and a bearing 235 are provided within the duct 222. The bearing 235 supports the propeller 232 (described below), which can rotate around the propeller rotation axis L. The stator fins 233 have a plurality of fins (e.g., three fins). The plurality of fins are arranged radially around the bearing 235. The plurality of fins are equally spaced around the propeller rotation axis L. The plurality of fins are fixed to the duct 222. The plurality of fins protrude rearwardly from the duct 222 behind the propeller 232 (see FIGS. 1 and 3).

[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of the drive unit 230. The drive unit 230 generates thrust to propel the boat 1. The drive unit 230 includes a propeller 232 and an auxiliary electric motor 234.

[0028] The propeller 232 is a rotating member having a plurality of blades. The propeller 232 generates thrust by rotating. The propeller 232 is located inside the duct 222. The propeller 232 can rotate around the horizontal propeller rotation axis L. The propeller rotation axis L is parallel to the central axis of the duct 222. The duct 222 covers the entire circumference of the propeller 232. The duct effect of the duct 222 increases the velocity of water flowing into the duct 222.

[0029] The auxiliary electric motor 234 rotates the propeller 232. The auxiliary electric motor 234 includes a rotor 236 and a stator 237. Each of the rotor 236 and the stator 237 is tubular. The rotor 236 is located radially inner side of the stator 237. The rotor 236 and the stator 237 are arranged coaxially. The rotor 236 is rotatably supported with respect to the duct 222. The rotor 236 rotates about the propeller rotation axis L with respect to the stator 237. The propeller 232 is located radially inner side of the rotor 236. The propeller 232 is fixed to the rotor 236. The propeller 232 rotates together with the rotor 236. The rotor 236 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 240. In FIG. 4, only one of the plurality of permanent magnets 240 is labeld, and the signs of the other permanent magnets 240 are omitted. The plurality of permanent magnets 240 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotor 236.

[0030] The stator 237 is fixed to the duct 222. The stator 237 includes a plurality of coils 242. In FIG. 4, only one of the plurality of coils 242 is labeled, and the signs of the other coils 242 are omitted. The plurality of coils 242 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the stator 237. When the plurality of coils 242 are energized, an electromagnetic force is generated to rotate the rotor 236. With this configuration, the propeller 232 generates forward propulsion force when the rotor 236 of the auxiliary electric motor 234 rotates in the forward rotation direction and backward propulsion force when the rotor 236 of the auxiliary electric motor 234 rotates in the reverse rotation direction.A-4. BOAT CONTROL SYSTEM 10S OF BOAT 1:

[0031] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the boat control system 10S, which is the boat propulsion system in the boat 1. The boat control system 10S includes the main propulsion device 100, the auxiliary propulsion device 200, the boat control unit (BCU) 300, a fuel tank 180, an auxiliary battery 280, and the operation device 17 described above.

[0032] The BCU 300, e.g., controls the overall operation of the boat 1 based on, e.g., signals transmitted from the various components of the boat body 10. The BCU 300 includes, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, and programmable devices (field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), and the like). The BCU 300 is communicatively connected to the operation device 17, i.e., the main operation device 50, the auxiliary operation device 60, the first alert device 50A, and the second alert device 60A.

[0033] The fuel tank 180 is the power source for the main propulsion device 100. The fuel tank 180 has a tank for storing fuel, a fuel pump, injectors, and other components. The fuel tank 180 is communicatively connected to the BCU 300.

[0034] The auxiliary battery 280 is the power source for the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The auxiliary battery 280 is, e.g., a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery.

[0035] The main propulsion device 100 has the engine assembly described above, a main steering device 150, a main engine control unit (ECU) 138, a main steering control unit (SCU) 158, and various main sensors 160.

[0036] The engine assembly is an assembly of a plurality of parts including the engine body 122. In addition to the engine body 122, the engine assembly includes intake system components (e.g., throttle body, supercharger, and the like) and electrical components (e.g., fuse box, the main ECU 138, the main SCU 158, and the like). The engine assembly is located in a relatively upper position in the main propulsion device 100. The engine body 122 is a prime mover that generates power. The engine body 122 is, e.g., an internal combustion engine.

[0037] The main steering device 150 is a device that controls the steering angle of the boat 1. The main steering device 150 is accommodated in the casing 116. The main steering device 150 includes, e.g., an electric motor for steering (not shown) and a steering shaft extending in the upper-lower direction (not shown). When the steering angle is changed by the main steering device 150, e.g., the electric motor rotates the steering shaft. As the steering shaft rotates, the lower portion of the main propulsion device main body 101, including the lower case 118 connected to the steering shaft, rotates. This changes the steering angle of the boat 1.

[0038] The various main sensors 160 are sensors for monitoring the state of the main propulsion device 100, such as the engine body 122 and the main steering device 150. The various main sensors 160 include, e.g., a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the cooling water, exhaust temperature, and the like, an oil pressure sensor that measures the oil pressure, and a torque sensor that monitors the load on the propeller 132 in the water.

[0039] The main ECU 138 controls the engine body 122. The main ECU 138 includes, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, and programmable devices (field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), and the like). The main ECU 138 is communicatively connected to the operation device 17, i.e., the main operation device 50, the auxiliary operation device 60, the first alert device 50A, and the second alert device 60A, as well as to the engine body 122, the various main sensors 160, the BCU 300, and the fuel tank 180.

[0040] The main SCU 158 controls the operation of the main steering device 150. The main SCU 158 includes, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, and programmable devices (field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), and the like). The main SCU 158 is communicatively connected to the operation devices 17, i.e., the main operation device 50, the auxiliary operation device 60, the first alert device 50A, and the second alert device 60A, as well as to the main steering device 150, the BCU 300, and the main ECU 138.

[0041] The auxiliary propulsion device 200 includes the auxiliary electric motor 234 described above, the auxiliary steering device 250, the auxiliary MCU 238, the auxiliary SCU 258, and the various auxiliary sensors 260. The auxiliary MCU 238 is an example of both the controller and the control device.

[0042] The auxiliary steering device 250 is a device that controls the steering angle of the boat 1. The auxiliary steering device 250 includes, e.g., an electric motor. The auxiliary steering device 250 is accommodated in the middle housing 224. When the auxiliary steering device 250 operates, the lower housing 226 and the drive unit 230 connected to the lower housing 226 rotate about the steering axis. This controls the steering angle of the boat 1.

[0043] The various auxiliary sensors 260 are sensors for monitoring the state of the auxiliary propulsion device 200, such as the auxiliary electric motor 234 and the auxiliary steering device 250. The various auxiliary sensors 260 include, e.g., a current sensor 261 that monitors whether an abnormal current is flowing in the auxiliary electric motor 234 and a temperature sensor 262 that monitors the temperature of the auxiliary MCU 238.

[0044] The auxiliary motor control unit (MCU) 238 controls the drive of the auxiliary electric motor 234. The auxiliary MCU 238 includes, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, and programmable devices (field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), and the like). The auxiliary MCU 238 is communicatively connected to the operation device 17, i.e., the main operation device 50, the auxiliary operation device 60, the first alert device 50A, and the second alert device 60A, as well as to the auxiliary electric motor 234, the various auxiliary sensors 260, and the BCU 300.

[0045] The auxiliary SCU 258 controls the operation of the auxiliary steering device 250. The auxiliary SCU 258 includes, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, and programmable devices (field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), and the like). The auxiliary SCU 258 is communicatively connected to the operation device 17, i.e., the main operation device 50, the auxiliary operation device 60, the first alert device 50A, and the second alert device 60A, as well as to the auxiliary steering device 250, the auxiliary MCU 238, and the BCU 300.A-5. MAIN PROPULSION DEVICE 100 AND AUXILIARY PROPULSION DEVICE 200:

[0046] The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is a boat propulsion device that assists the main propulsion device 100. Specifically, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is a boat propulsion device with a smaller maximum output than the main propulsion device 100. In addition, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is an electric motor, while the main propulsion device 100 is an internal combustion engine. Therefore, when the main propulsion device 100 and the auxiliary propulsion device 200 are in operation, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is quieter than the main propulsion device 100. When the auxiliary propulsion device 200 has a greater steering angle than the main propulsion device 100, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 can finely steer the boat 1.

[0047] The user takes advantage of the characteristics of the main propulsion device 100 and the auxiliary propulsion device 200 to use the main propulsion device 100 and the auxiliary propulsion device 200 according to the purpose. For example, the BCU 300 can selectively execute a first use mode and a second use mode as use modes. The first use mode is a mode in which the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is deactivated and the main propulsion device 100 is activated. The second use mode is a mode in which the main propulsion device 100 is deactivated and the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is activated. For example, the first use mode allows the boat 1 to travel quickly to its destination. On the other hand, for example, the second use mode allows the boat 1 to move quietly. The second use mode also allows the boat 1 to move at very low speeds. In this specification, the deactivation of each boat propulsion device includes not only the state in which the boat propulsion device is completely stopped as a propulsion device, but also the state in which the boat propulsion device is ready to move immediately as a propulsion device when the user gives an instruction (i.e., "standby" state).A-6. ALERT PROCESS OF AUXILIARY PROPULSION DEVICE 200:

[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the abnormality alerts for the boat auxiliary propulsion device 200. When an abnormality occurs in the auxiliary propulsion device 200, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 notifies the outside of the abnormality. The abnormality here refers to the case of a failure of the auxiliary propulsion device 200, the case where the auxiliary propulsion device 200 becomes inoperable, or the case where there is a high probability that the auxiliary propulsion device 200 will become inoperable within a short period of time (e.g., within one hour) even if it is currently operable. The following are specific examples of abnormalities in the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The following are just examples and the abnormalities are not limited to these examples. * Abnormality in various sensors of the auxiliary electric motor 234 * Abnormality in the auxiliary MCU 238 of the auxiliary electric motor 234 * Abnormality in various sensors of the auxiliary steering device 250 * Abnormality in the auxiliary SCU 258 of the auxiliary steering device 250 * Abnormality in the auxiliary battery 280 (e.g., overcurrent state, overvoltage state) * The auxiliary battery 280 storage capacity being below a certain level * Unexpected input signals from the auxiliary propulsion device 200 (e.g., mixed input signals to the main propulsion device 100)

[0049] The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is activated (S110) when power is supplied from the auxiliary battery 280 and then enters standby mode. The BCU 300 controls the boat 1 by selecting the first mode and second mode, among other modes. The auxiliary MCU 238 monitors the auxiliary propulsion device 200 for abnormalities (S120). When the auxiliary MCU 238 detects an abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 (S130 YES), the auxiliary MCU 238 causes the alert device 40A to perform an alert action to notify the outside of the abnormality (S140). The alert action is a light-emitting action. The light-emitting action includes, as an example, the lighting of the alert device 40A, blinking, and specific display of letters, images, and the like.

[0050] When the auxiliary MCU 238 no longer detects abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 (S150 NO), the auxiliary MCU 238 causes the alert device 40A to stop performing the alert action (S160). The case where the auxiliary MCU 238 no longer detects abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 includes the case where the auxiliary MCU 238 is forced to stop detecting the abnormality by receiving an external signal to force the auxiliary MCU 238 to stop the alert action. If the auxiliary MCU 238 detects an abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 (S150 YES), the auxiliary MCU 238 causes the alert device 40A to continue executing the alert action for the abnormality to the outside (S140). After the alert device 40A stops the alert action (S160), if the auxiliary MCU 238 does not receive a signal of the deactivation of the auxiliary propulsion device 200 from the outside (S170 NO), the auxiliary MCU 238 continues to monitor the auxiliary propulsion device 200 for abnormalities (S120). If the auxiliary MCU 238 receives a signal from the outside to deactivate the auxiliary propulsion device 200 (S170 YES), the auxiliary MCU 238 terminates the operation of the auxiliary propulsion device 200.

[0051] The alert device 40A that performs the above alert action is the second alert device 60A. The auxiliary MCU 238 may transmit a signal indicating an abnormality or similar information (hereinafter collectively referred to as "alert signal") to the first alert device 50A, thereby causing the first alert device 50A to perform an alert action for the abnormality or similar information of the auxiliary propulsion device 200. For example, the display device 58 can notify the outside of the abnormality of the auxiliary propulsion device 200 by means of letters, images, and the like. In addition, in the first or the second use mode as well, the auxiliary MCU 238 can cause the first alert device 50A to perform an alert action for an abnormality or the like of the auxiliary propulsion device 200 by transmitting an alert signal to the first alert device 50A.A-7. EFFECTS OF THIS EMBODIMENT:

[0052] The boat propulsion system of this embodiment can quickly notify the user of an abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 in the boat 1 equipped with the main propulsion device 100 and the auxiliary propulsion device 200. By using the main propulsion device 100 and the auxiliary propulsion device 200, each of which has different characteristics, the boat 1 quickly reaches its destination and finely moves around the destination (e.g., by moving the boat 1 sideways). The boat 1 also moves quietly around the destination.

[0053] In the boat propulsion system of this embodiment , the auxiliary MCU 238 causes the second alert device 60A of the auxiliary operation device 60 of the auxiliary propulsion device 200, which is mounted near the pilot seat 16, to alert an abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200. This allows the user to accurately know the abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 even when the user is away from the auxiliary propulsion device 200. When the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is on standby and the user is steering the boat 1 by the main propulsion device 100, the auxiliary MCU 238 can also transmit the alert signal for the auxiliary propulsion device 200 to the first alert device 50A mounted on the main operation device 50 of the main propulsion device 100. This allows the first alert device 50A to notify the user of the abnormality or the like of the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The user can know about the abnormality or the like of the auxiliary propulsion device 200 even while operating the main propulsion device 100.

[0054] This embodiment includes the main propulsion device 100, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 having a maximum output that is smaller than the maximum output of the main propulsion device 100, and the auxiliary MCU 238, which is a controller provided in the auxiliary propulsion device 200. The auxiliary MCU 238 performs an alert action to notify the outside of the abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the auxiliary propulsion device 200. This boat propulsion system can notify the user of an abnormality that has occurred in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 of the boat propulsion system by executing the information process when an abnormality is detected in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 of the boat propulsion system.

[0055] In this embodiment, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 may include the auxiliary MCU 238 that controls the power of the auxiliary propulsion device 200, and the abnormality may be an abnormality in the auxiliary MCU 238. As a result, in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 of the boat propulsion system, an alert is generated when an abnormality occurs in the control device of the auxiliary propulsion device 200. This allows the user or other crew members to know about the abnormality even if they are away from the auxiliary propulsion device 200.

[0056] In this embodiment, the auxiliary propulsion device 200 may include the auxiliary battery 280, which is an electric propulsion device, and the abnormality may be that the storage capacity of the auxiliary battery 280 falls below a certain level. As a result, in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 of the boat propulsion system, an alert is generated when the storage capacity of the auxiliary battery 280 of the auxiliary propulsion device 200 falls below a certain level.

[0057] The embodiment may further include the alert device 40A, wherein the auxiliary MCU 238 may output a signal by executing the information process, and the alert device 40Amay perform an alert action to notify the outside of the abnormality based on the signal. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 of the boat propulsion system, the abnormality is notified by the alert device 40A, thereby enabling the user or other crew members to know about the abnormality even when they are away from the auxiliary propulsion device 200.

[0058] The embodiment may further include the operation device 17, and the alert device 40A may be located on the operation device 17. As a result, since the alert device 40A for abnormality notification is provided in the operation device 17, when the auxiliary propulsion device 200 meets a condition corresponding to an abnormality, the user or other crew members can know about the abnormality while steering the boat.

[0059] In this embodiment, the alert device 40A may perform a light-emitting action in accordance with the abnormality. As a result, since the alert device 40A performs a light-emitting action in accordance with the abnormality, the user can know whether the auxiliary propulsion device 200 meets a condition corresponding to an abnormality while maintaining a quiet environment.

[0060] The embodiment may have a second use mode in which the main propulsion device 100 is deactivated and only the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is activated. This allows the user to determine that the auxiliary propulsion device 200 meets a condition corresponding to an abnormality without operating the main propulsion device 100 of the boat propulsion system.B. MODIFICATIONS:

[0061] The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiments described above but can be modified into various forms to the extent not departing from the gist of the invention, for example, the following modifications are possible.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the main propulsion device 100 is an internal-combustion type propulsion device and the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is an electric propulsion device, but the configuration is not limited to these. The main propulsion device 100 may be an electric propulsion device. The auxiliary propulsion device 200 may be an internal-combustion type propulsion device.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the alert action of the alert device 40A is a light-emitting action, but the alert action is not limited to the light-emitting action. For example, the alert may be a sound-based alert.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the controller is the auxiliary MCU 238, but the controller may be both the auxiliary MCU 238 and the auxiliary SCU 258.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the controller is the auxiliary MCU 238, but the controller may not be the auxiliary MCU 238. For example, the controller may be the BCU 300, the main ECU 138, or another control unit. The controller may also be a combination of multiple control units, such as the auxiliary MCU 238 and the BCU 300.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the various auxiliary sensors 260 are exemplified by the current sensor 261 and the temperature sensor 262, but the various auxiliary sensors 260 may be other than these. For example, a torque sensor that monitors the load on the propeller 232 underwater may be used.

[0067] Although the above embodiment describes the alert action for an abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200, information other than an abnormality in the auxiliary propulsion device 200 may be notified. For example, the auxiliary MCU 238 can also perform an information process that notifies the outside that the auxiliary propulsion device 200 meets a certain condition by outputting a signal indicating the first condition has been met. Examples of the first condition are as follows. The following are just examples and the first condition is not limited to these examples. * The main propulsion device 100 is deactivated and the boat 1 is navigated only by the auxiliary propulsion device 200 (the second use mode). * The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is deactivated and the boat 1 is navigated only by the main propulsion device 100 (the first use mode). * The propeller rotation axis L of the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is tilted more than a certain angle with respect to the front-rear direction of the boat 1 in the horizontal direction. * The auxiliary propulsion device 200 is running at a certain power output above / below a certain level. * The auxiliary battery 280 of the auxiliary propulsion device 200 is below a certain storage capacity.

Claims

1. A boat equipped with a boat propulsion system, comprising: a boat main propulsion device (100); a boat auxiliary propulsion device (200) having a maximum output smaller than the maximum output of the boat main propulsion device (100); and a controller (238,258,300,138), wherein when a first condition of the boat auxiliary propulsion device (200) is met, the controller (238,258,300,138) performs an information process to notify the outside of the occurrence of the first condition.

2. The boat propulsion system according to claim 1, wherein when an abnormality occurs in the boat auxiliary propulsion device (200), the controller (238,258,300,138) performs an information process to notify the outside of the abnormality.

3. The boat propulsion system according to claim 2, wherein the boat auxiliary propulsion device (200) includes a control device (238) that controls the power of the boat auxiliary propulsion device (200), and the abnormality is an abnormality in the control device (238).

4. The boat propulsion system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the boat auxiliary propulsion device (200) includes an electric power source (280), and the abnormality is that the storage capacity of the electric power source (280) falls below a certain level.

5. The boat propulsion system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising: an alert device (40A), wherein the controller (238,258,300,138) outputs a signal by executing the information process, and the alert device (40A) performs an alert action to notify the outside of the abnormality based on the signal.

6. The boat propulsion system according to claim 5, further comprising: an operation device (60), wherein the alert device (60A) is provided at the operation device (60).

7. The boat propulsion system according to claim 6, wherein the operation device (60) is a joystick unit (62).

8. The boat propulsion system according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the alert device (40A) performs a light-emitting action in accordance with the abnormality.

9. The boat propulsion system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the boat propulsion system has a use mode in which the boat main propulsion device (100) is deactivated and the boat auxiliary propulsion device (200) is activated.

10. A boat comprising a boat body (10) and a boat propulsion system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is mounted on the boat body (10).

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