Boat propulsion device, drive control device, and boat

Abstract

A boat propulsion device includes a drive source and a drive control device that controls the drive source. The drive control device includes a housing, a control board, an auxiliary member, and a fixing member. The control board includes a substrate that is positioned along the inner wall surface of the housing and electronic components mounted on the substrate to control the drive source. A portion of the substrate is sandwiched between the auxiliary member and the inner wall surface. The fixing member extends from the auxiliary member to the inner wall surface and fixes the auxiliary member to the housing.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a boat propulsion device, a drive control device, and a boat.

[0002] A boat propulsion device is equipped with a drive source, such as an electric motor or an engine, and a drive control device that controls the drive source. The drive control device has a substrate and electronic components mounted on the substrate. The substrate is fixed to a heat sink or the like of the boat propulsion device (see, e.g., JP 2019-67785 A, JP 2020-195196 A, JP 2021-7286 A).

[0003] It is the object of the present invention to provide a boat propulsion device, a drive control device, and a boat wherein the configuration for fixing the substrate in the boat propulsion device is improved.

[0004] According to the present invention said object is solved by a drive control device having the features of independent claim 1.

[0005] Moreover, said object is solved by a boat propulsion device according to claim 2 or a boat according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims.

[0006] (1) A boat propulsion device disclosed herein is a boat propulsion device including a drive source and a drive control device that controls the drive source, wherein the drive control device includes: a housing; a control board that controls the drive source and includes a substrate disposed along an inner wall surface of the housing and electronic components mounted on the substrate; an auxiliary member that is disposed on a non-placement area of the substrate where the electronic components are not placed, at least a portion of the substrate being sandwiched between the auxiliary member and the inner wall surface and the substrate; and a fixing member extending from the auxiliary member to the inner wall surface and fixing the auxiliary member to the housing. In this configuration, at least a portion of the substrate of the control board is sandwiched between the auxiliary member and the inner wall surface of the housing. The fixing member fixes the auxiliary member to the inner wall surface. Thus, the auxiliary member fixes the substrate to the inner wall surface of the housing while assisting it.

[0007] (2) In the above boat propulsion device, the auxiliary member may be more rigid than the substrate. In this configuration, the auxiliary member fixes the substrate to the inner wall surface of the housing while reinforcing it.

[0008] (3) In the above boat propulsion device, the housing may be electrically conductive, and the boat propulsion device may further include an insulator disposed between the non-placement area of the substrate and the inner wall surface. In this configuration, the insulator suppresses direct conduction between the control board and the housing.

[0009] (4) The above boat propulsion device may further include a heat dissipator placed between the placement area in the substrate where the electronic components are placed and the inner wall surface. In this configuration, the heat dissipator improves the heat dissipation from the electronic components of the control board.

[0010] (5) In the above boat propulsion device, the auxiliary member may be a terminal block on which external connection terminals are provided. In this configuration, the auxiliary member fixes the substrate to the inner wall surface of the housing while assisting it and also functions as a connector member.

[0011] (6) In the above boat propulsion device, the housing may be electrically conductive, the terminal block may be electrically conductive, the fixing member may be electrically conductive, and the terminal block may be electrically connected to the housing via the fixing member. In this configuration, the fixing member electrically connects the terminal block to the housing.

[0012] (7) In the above boat propulsion device, the ground line on the substrate may be electrically connected to the housing via the auxiliary member and the fixing member. In this configuration, the auxiliary member and the fixing member electrically connect the ground line on the substate to the housing.

[0013] (8) In the above boat propulsion device, the auxiliary member may be provided with a through-hole formed therethrough toward the inner wall surface, and the fixing member may be a fastening member inserted into the through-hole. In this configuration, the fastening member fixes the auxiliary member to the housing.

[0014] (9) In the above boat propulsion device, the housing may be electrically conductive, the auxiliary member may be electrically conductive, the fastening member may be electrically conductive, and the fastening member may further include a conductive member interposed between the fastening member and the auxiliary member and electrically connecting the fastening member and the auxiliary member. In this configuration, the conductive member and the fastening member fix the auxiliary member to the housing.

[0015] (10) In the above boat propulsion device, the conductive member may include a first contact portion that contacts both an inner circumferential surface forming the through-hole of the auxiliary member and an outer circumferential surface of the fastening member. In this configuration, the first contact portion of the conductive member provides conductivity between the fastening member and the auxiliary member and suppresses radial rattling of the fastening member with respect to the auxiliary member.

[0016] (11) In the above boat propulsion device, the conductive member may include a second contact portion that contacts both a head of the fastening member and a surface of the auxiliary member. In this configuration, the second contact portion of the conductive member provides conductivity between the fastening member and the auxiliary member and suppresses axial rattling of the fastening member with respect to the auxiliary member.

[0017] (12) A boat propulsion device disclosed herein is a boat propulsion device having a drive source and a drive control device that controls the drive source, wherein the drive control device includes: a housing; a control board that controls the drive source and includes a substrate disposed along an inner wall surface of the housing and electronic components mounted on the substrate; an auxiliary member provided such that at least a portion of the substrate is sandwiched between the auxiliary member and the inner wall surface; and a fixing member extending from the auxiliary member to the inner wall surface and fixing the auxiliary member to the housing. According to the boat propulsion device, the auxiliary member fixes the substrate to the inner wall surface of the housing while assisting it.

[0018] The technology disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms, e.g., in the form of a boat propulsion device, a boat equipped with a boat propulsion device, and the like.

[0019] According to the technology disclosed herein, the auxiliary member and the inner wall surface of the housing sandwich at least a part of the substrate of the control board and the fixing member fixes the auxiliary member to the inner wall surface. Thus, the substrate is fixed to the inner wall surface of the housing while being assisted by the auxiliary member.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a boat. FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a configuration of an electric propulsion device. FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of a drive unit. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a boat control system in a boat. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a fixed state of an MCU in a lower housing. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of a control board and a terminal block. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the MCU and part of the lower housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a boat 10. FIG. 1 and other some drawings described below show arrows representing each direction with respect to the position of the boat 10. More specifically, some figures show 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.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the boat 10 has a boat body 200, and an electric propulsion device 100. The electric propulsion device 100 is an example of the boat propulsion device.

[0023] The boat body 200 is a part of the boat 10 for the user (crew) to ride. The boat body 200 includes a boat main body 210, a pilot seat 220, and a steering device 230.

[0024] The boat main body 210 includes a living space 212. The pilot seat 220 is installed in the living space 212. The boat body 200 further includes a partition wall 214 and a transom 216. The partition wall 214 divides the rear side of the living space 212. The transom 216 is located at the rear end of the boat body 200. In the front-rear direction, a space 215 exists between the transom 216 and the partition wall 214.

[0025] The steering device 230 is a device for steering the boat. The steering device 230 is located near the pilot seat 220. The steering device 230 includes a steering wheel 232, a shift / throttle lever 240, a joystick unit 250, a display device 260, and an input device 270.

[0026] The steering wheel 232 is an operation device for steering the boat 10. The shift / throttle lever 240 is an operation device for performing a shifting operation and a propulsion force change operation of the boat 10. The joystick unit 250 is an operation device for performing a steering operation of the boat 10 and a shifting operation and a propulsion force change operation of the boat 10. The display device 260 is, e.g., a liquid crystal display and displays various images (e.g., operation images) related to the boat 10. The input device 270 is, e.g., a button for changing the steering mode and the like. The input device 270 includes a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration of an electric propulsion device 100. The electric propulsion device 100 is a device that generates thrust to propel the boat 10. The electric propulsion device 100 is an electric propulsion device driven by an electric motor 134. The electric propulsion device 100 of this embodiment is an outboard motor. In the following, the electric propulsion device 100 in the reference attitude will be described unless otherwise specified. The reference attitude is the attitude of the electric propulsion device 100 when the boat 10 is running (the attitude shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) and is the attitude in which the propeller rotation shaft L of the propeller 132 (described below) extends in the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the upper-lower direction are defined on the basis of the electric propulsion device 100 in the reference attitude. The electric motor 134 is an example of the drive source.

[0028] The electric propulsion device 100 is attached to the transom 216 disposed at the rear (stern) of the boat body 200 (see FIG. 1). The electric propulsion device 100 has a propulsion device main body 101 and a suspension device 102.

[0029] The propulsion device main body 101 has a cowl 110, a middle housing 150, a lower housing 120, a duct 122, and a drive unit 130.

[0030] The cowl 110 is located at an upper portion of the electric propulsion device 100. The cowl 110 is a cover that accommodates various wirings and other components.

[0031] The middle housing 150 is located below the cowl 110 in the electric propulsion device 100. The middle housing 150 is a cover that accommodates the steering device 152, SCU 154, various wirings, and the like, as described below.

[0032] The lower housing 120 is located below the middle housing 150 in the electric propulsion device 100. The lower housing 120 is a cover that accommodates the motor control unit (MCU) 139, various wirings, and the like, as described below. The lower housing 120 is rotatably attached to the middle housing 150 around an axis along the upper-lower direction. The lower housing 120 may be positioned lower than the water surface W in the reference attitude (see FIG. 2).

[0033] The duct 122 is located below the lower housing 120 in the electric propulsion device 100. The duct 122 is a tubular member extending in the front-rear direction. The duct 122 is positioned lower than the water surface W in the reference attitude (see FIG. 2). The drive unit 130 is located radially inner side of the duct 122. In the radially inner side of the duct 122, a stator fin 133 and a bearing 135 are provided (see FIG. 2). The bearing 135 supports the propeller 132, described below, rotatably about the propeller rotation shaft L. The stator fin 133 has a plurality of fins (e.g., three fins). The plurality of fins are arranged radially around the bearing 135. The plurality of fins are equally spaced around the propeller rotation shaft L. The plurality of fins are fixed to the duct 122. The plurality of fins protrude rearwardly from the duct 122 behind the propeller 132 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of the drive unit 130. The drive unit 130 generates thrust to propel the boat 10. The drive unit 130 includes a propeller 132 and an electric motor 134.

[0035] The propeller 132 is a rotating member having a plurality of wings. The propeller 132 generates thrust by rotating. The propeller 132 is located radially inner side of the duct 122. The propeller 132 can rotate about the horizontal propeller rotation shaft L. The propeller rotation shaft L is parallel to the central axis of the duct 122. The duct 122 covers the entire circumference of the propeller 132.

[0036] The electric motor 134 rotates the propeller 132. The electric motor 134 includes a rotor 136 and a stator 138.

[0037] The rotor 136 is a tubular member extending in the front-rear direction. The rotor 136 is rotatably supported with respect to the duct 122. The rotor 136 rotates about the propeller rotation shaft L with respect to the stator 138. The propeller 132 is located radially inner side of the rotor 136. The propeller 132 is fixed to the rotor 136. The propeller 132 rotates together with the rotor 136. The rotor 136 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 140. In FIG. 3, only one of the plurality of permanent magnets 140 is signed, and the signs of the other permanent magnets 140 are omitted. The plurality of permanent magnets 140 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotor 136.

[0038] The stator 138 is a tubular member extending in the front-rear direction. The stator 138 is disposed on the radially outer side of the rotor 136. The stator 138 is disposed on the same axis as the rotor 136. The stator 138 is fixed to the duct 122. The stator 138 includes a plurality of coils 142. In FIG. 3, only one of the plurality of coils 142 is signed, and the signs of the other coils 142 are omitted. The plurality of coils 142 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the stator 138.

[0039] When the plurality of coils 142 are energized, an electromagnetic force is generated to rotate the rotor 136. With this configuration, the propeller 132 generates forward propulsion force when the rotor 136 of the electric motor 134 rotates in the forward rotation direction and rearward propulsion force when the rotor 136 of the electric motor 134 rotates in the reverse rotation direction.

[0040] The suspension device 102 is a device for suspending the propulsion device main body 101 on the boat body 200. The suspension device 102 rotates the propulsion device main body 101 about the tilt axis At (see FIG. 2). This achieves the tilting action of rotating the propulsion device main body 101 in the upper-lower direction with respect to the boat body 200.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the boat control system 10S in the boat 10. Each component in the boat control system 10S is communicatively connected to each other, e.g., by command line processor (CLP) communication. As shown in FIG. 4, the boat body 200 includes a BCU 300, a GPS 310, a battery 320, and a display control device 262.

[0042] The boat control unit (BCU) 300 controls the overall operation of the boat 10 based on, e.g., signals transmitted from each of the components. 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).

[0043] The Global Positioning System (GPS) 310 is a device that uses signals received from satellites to determine the current position of the boat 10. The battery 320 is an energy storage device. The battery 320 supplies power to the electric motor 134 (described below) and the input device 270. The display control device 262 controls the display of the display device 260.

[0044] The electric propulsion device 100 includes the electric motor 134 described above, the steering device 152, the MCU 139, and the SCU 154.

[0045] The steering device 152 is a device that controls the steering angle of the boat 10. The steering device 152 is accommodated in the middle housing 150. The steering device 152 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 steering device 152, e.g., the electric motor rotates the steering shaft. As the steering shaft rotates, the lower housing 120 connected to the steering shaft and the drive unit 130 connected to the lower housing 120 rotate around an axis along the upper-lower direction. This changes the steering angle of the boat 10.

[0046] The motor control unit (MCU) 139 drives the electric motor 134. The MCU 139 is accommodated in the lower housing 120. The MCU 139 is an example of the drive control device.

[0047] The steering control unit (SCU) 154 controls the operation of the steering device 152. The SCU 154 includes, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, and a programmable device (field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device (PLD), and the like). The SCU 154 is accommodated in the middle housing 150.

[0048] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating the fixation of the MCU 139 in the lower housing 120. As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 139 is fixed to the inner wall surface 121 of the lower housing 120. The lower housing 120 is formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal material such as aluminum). The lower housing 120 is an example of the housing.

[0049] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating an arrangement of a control board 410 and a terminal block 420 described below, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the MCU 139 and part of the lower housing 120. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the MCU 139 includes a cover 400, a control board 410, a plurality of terminal blocks 420, a plurality of fastening members 430, an insulating sheet 440, a heat-dissipating sheet 450, and a plurality of collars 460. The terminal block 420 is an example of the auxiliary member, the fastening member 430 is an example of the fixing member, the insulating sheet 440 is an example of the insulator, and the heat-dissipating sheet 450 is an example of the heat dissipator. Part of the plurality of collars 460 are conductive members.

[0050] The control board 410 controls the drive of the electric motor 134. As shown in FIG. 6, the control board 410 has a substrate (circuit board) 412 and electronic components 414. The substrate 412 is placed along the inner wall surface 121 of the lower housing 120 (see FIG. 7). The electronic component 414 is, e.g., a circuit element that functions as an inverter circuit. In FIG. 6, a configuration in which the electronic components 414 are placed at one location on the substrate 412 is illustrated, but the electronic components 414 may be located at multiple locations on the substrate 412. Thus, there is a placement area E1 on the substrate 412 where the electronic components 414 are placed and a non-placement area E2 where the electronic components 414 are not placed.

[0051] The heat-dissipating sheet 450 is, e.g., a thermally conductive resin sheet. The heat-dissipating sheet 450 is formed, e.g., of acrylic resin or silicon resin. The heat-dissipating sheet 450 is disposed between the portion corresponding to the placement area E1 in the substrate 412 and the inner wall surface 121 of the lower housing 120. In this embodiment, one side of the heat-dissipating sheet 450 contacts the substrate 412, and the other side of the heat-dissipating sheet 450 contacts the inner wall surface 121.

[0052] The insulating sheet 440 is, e.g., a resin sheet having electrical insulation properties. The insulating sheet 440 is formed of, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene. The insulating sheet 440 is disposed between the portion corresponding to the non-placement area E2 in the substrate 412 and the inner wall surface 121 of the lower housing 120. In this embodiment, the insulating sheet 440 is arranged to surround the heat-dissipating sheet 450 all around. In this embodiment, one side of the insulating sheet 440 contacts the substrate 412 and the other side of the insulating sheet 440 contacts the inner wall surface 121.

[0053] In the inner wall surface 121, the first inner wall surface 121A on which the insulating sheet 440 is disposed is higher than the second inner wall surface 121B on which the heat-dissipating sheet 450 is disposed. Therefore, the thickness of the insulating sheet 440 is thinner than the thickness of the heat-dissipating sheet 450. In other words, in the inner wall surface 121, the thickness of the portion corresponding to the first inner wall surface 121A is thicker than the thickness of the portion corresponding to the second inner wall surface 121B. A plurality of threaded holes 123 are formed in the first inner wall surface 121A.

[0054] Each terminal block 420 is arranged to sandwich the substrate 412 between the terminal block 420 and the inner wall surface 121 of the lower housing 120. The plurality of terminal blocks 420 are placed on the non-placement area E2. The terminal blocks 420 are formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel).

[0055] Each terminal block 420 includes a base 422 and a projection 424 (see FIG. 6). The base 422 is an elongated flat plate. The rigidity of the base 422 is higher than that of the substrate 412. In this embodiment, the material of the base 422 is harder than the material of the substrate 412, and the thickness of the base 422 is thicker than the thickness of the substrate 412 (see FIG. 7). Through-holes 423 are formed at both ends of the base 422, respectively. Each through-hole 423 penetrates the base 422 toward the inner wall surface 121 of the lower housing 120. The projection 424 is formed in the center of the base 422. The projection 424 protrudes in the direction opposite to the lower housing 120. The projection 424 is cylindrical and has a fixing hole 425 for fixing an external connection terminal T (see FIG. 5).

[0056] Each fastening member 430 is, e.g., a bolt. The fastening member 430 is formed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., a metallic material such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel). The fastening member 430 has a head 432 and a threaded portion 434. The threaded portion 434 of the fastening member 430 is inserted into the through-hole 423 of the terminal block 420. The tip portion of the threaded portion 434 penetrates the substrate 412 and the insulating sheet 440 and screws into the threaded hole 123 formed in the first inner wall surface 121A. As a result, the terminal block 420 is fixed to the lower housing 120 via the fastening member 430. Between the head 432 of the fastening member 430 and the lower housing 120, the base 422 of the terminal block 420, the substrate 412, and the insulating sheet 440 are sandwiched.

[0057] Each collar 460 is a member interposed between the fastening member 430 and the terminal block 420. Each collar 460 includes a first contact portion 462 and a second contact portion 464. The first contact portion 462 is cylindrical and is arranged to surround the threaded portion 434 of the fastening member 430 in the through-hole 423. The first contact portion 462 contacts both an inner circumferential surface forming the through-hole 423 of the base 422 and an outer circumferential surface of the fastening member 430.

[0058] The second contact portion 464 has a flat-plate shape and is disposed at the upper end of the first contact portion 462. The second contact portion 464 extends radially outward from the first contact portion 462. The second contact portion 464 contacts both the head 432 of the fastening member 430 and the surface of the base 422.

[0059] The plurality of collars 460 includes electrically conductive collars 460 and insulating collars 460. In the above plurality of terminal blocks 420, the collar 460 on the terminal block 420 on which the ground terminal is placed is electrically conductive. Therefore, the ground terminal is electrically connected to the lower housing 120 via the terminal block 420, the collar 460, and the fastening member 430. The terminal block 420 on which the ground terminal is placed is electrically connected to the ground line wiring pattern on the substrate 412. Thus, the ground line on the substrate 412 is electrically connected to the lower housing 120 via the terminal block 420, the collar 460, and the fastening member 430. The conductive collar 460 is an example of the conductive member.

[0060] On the other hand, the collar 460 on the terminal block 420, where terminals other than the ground terminal (such as power supply terminals) are placed, is insulating. Therefore, the collar 460 insulates the terminals other than the ground terminal from the lower housing 120.

[0061] The cover 400 covers the entire of the control board 410 (see FIG. 5). The cover 400 is made of resin, for example. The projections 424 of each terminal block 420 are exposed to the outside through the cover 400, and the external connection terminals T (T1 to T5) provided at the end of each harness are joined with the projections 424.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the terminal block 420 and the inner wall surface 121 of the lower housing 120 sandwich the substrate 412 of the control board 410. The fastening member 430 fixes the terminal block 420 to the inner wall surface 121. Thus, the terminal block 420 fixes the substrate 412 to the lower housing 120 while assisting it. Thus, because this embodiment fixes the terminal block 420 directly to the lower housing 120, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a configuration in which, e.g., the terminal block 420 is fixed to the lower housing 120 via an intermediate member. In addition, the distance between the substrate 412 and the lower housing 120, which is exposed to seawater, is closer in this configuration because of the absence of the intermediate member. This improves the cooling efficiency of the MCU 139 (the control board 410).

[0063] In this embodiment, the rigidity of the base 422 is higher than that of the substrate 412. Therefore, the terminal block 420 fixes the substrate 412 to the lower housing 120 while reinforcing it. In this embodiment, the terminal block 420 is fixed and electrically connected to the lower housing 120 via the fastening member 430 and the electrically conductive collar 460. The first contact portion 462 of the electrically conductive collar 460 provides electrical conductivity between the fastening member 430 and the terminal block 420 and suppresses radial rattling of the fastening member 430 with respect to the terminal block 420. The second contact portion 464 of the electrically conductive collar 460 provides electrical conductivity between the fastening member 430 and the terminal block 420 and suppresses axial rattling of the fastening member 430 with respect to the terminal block 420.MODIFICATIONS

[0064] The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiments described above but can be modified into various forms.

[0065] The configuration of the boat 10, the boat control system 10S, and the electric propulsion device 100 in the above embodiment is an example and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, the boat propulsion device is exemplified by the electric propulsion device 100 that is an outboard motor. Alternatively, the boat propulsion device is an inboard motor, an inboard / outboard motor, a jet propeller.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the electric propulsion device 100 has only an electric motor as a drive source. Alternatively, the boat propulsion device is a hybrid type having an engine in addition to the electric motor. The boat propulsion device may also have only an engine. The drive control device according to the embodiment is the MCU 139. Alternatively, the drive control device is an engine control unit (ECU) that controls the engine.

[0067] The housing according to the embodiment is the lower housing 120. Alternatively, the housing is the cowl 110 or the middle housing 150. Essentially, the housing can be any exterior body (enclosure, case, body, and the like) that constitutes the external form of the boat propulsion device.

[0068] The auxiliary member according to the embodiment is the terminal block 420. Alternatively, the auxiliary member is the terminal itself that is soldered to the substrate. The auxiliary member need not have the function of a terminal block or terminal. The rigidity of the auxiliary member may be less than or equal to the rigidity of the substrate. The number of through-holes formed in the auxiliary member according to the embodiment is two. Alternatively, the number of through-holes formed in the auxiliary member may be one, three, or more.

[0069] The fixing member according to the embodiment is the fastening member 430. Alternatively, fixing member is a member fixed to the housing by, e.g., press fitting or engagement. The insulator according to the embodiment is the insulating sheet 440. Alternatively, the insulator is an insulator having a shape other than a sheet. The heat dissipator according to the embodiment is the heat-dissipating sheet 450. Alternatively, the heat dissipator is a heat-dissipator having a shape other than a sheet (e.g., a heat sink). The conductive member according to the embodiment is the collar 460. Alternatively, the conductive member is a member having a shape different from the collar 460.

[0070] Alternatively, with regard to the above embodiment, the fixing member (fastening member 430) may not be electrically conductive. Alternatively, with regard to the above embodiment, the collar 460 may not be provided.

Claims

1. A drive control device (139) that is configured for controlling a drive source (134), comprising: a housing (120); a control board (410) that comprises a substrate (412) disposed along an inner wall surface (121) of the housing (120) and electronic components (414) mounted on the substrate (412); an auxiliary member (420) provided so that at least a portion of the substrate (412) is sandwiched between the auxiliary member (420) the inner wall surface (121) of the housing (120); and a fixing member (430) extending from the auxiliary member (420) to the inner wall surface (121) of the housing (120) and fixing the auxiliary member (420) to the housing (120).

2. A boat propulsion device (100) comprising: a drive source (134) and the drive control device (139) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic components (414) are disposed on a placement area (E1) of the substrate (412), and the auxiliary member (420) is disposed on a non-placement area (E2) of the substrate (412) where the electronic components (414) are not placed.

3. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary member (420) is more rigid than the substrate (412).

4. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing (120) is electrically conductive.

5. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 2 or 3 and claim 4, wherein the boat propulsion device (100) further comprises an insulator (440) disposed between the non-placement area (E2) of the substrate (412) and the inner wall surface (121).

6. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 5, further comprising a heat dissipator (450) placed between the placement area (E1) in the substrate (412) where the electronic components (414) are placed and the inner wall surface (121).

7. The boat propulsion device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the auxiliary member (420) is a terminal block (420) on which an external connection terminals (T) are provided.

8. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 7 and claim 4, wherein the terminal block (420) is electrically conductive, the fixing member (430) is electrically conductive, and the terminal block (420) is electrically connected to the housing (120) via the fixing member (430).

9. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 8, wherein a ground line on the substrate (412) is electrically connected to the housing (120) via the auxiliary member (420) and the fixing member (430).

10. The boat propulsion device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the auxiliary member (420) is provided with a through-hole (423) formed therethrough toward the inner wall surface (121), and the fixing member (430) is a fastening member (430) inserted into the through-hole (423).

11. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 10 and claim 4, wherein the auxiliary member (420) is electrically conductive, the fastening member (430) is electrically conductive, and the boat propulsion device (100) further comprises a conductive member (460) interposed between the fastening member (430) and the auxiliary member (420) and electrically connecting the fastening member (430) and the auxiliary member (420).

12. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the conductive member (460) includes a first contact portion (462) that contacts both an inner circumferential surface forming the through-hole (423) of the auxiliary member (420) and an outer circumferential surface of the fastening member (430).

13. The boat propulsion device (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the conductive member (460) includes a second contact portion (464) that contacts both a head (432) of the fastening member (430) and a surface of the auxiliary member (420).

14. A boat (10), comprising: a boat body (200); and the boat propulsion device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 13 mounted on the boat body (200).

Images