Ship propulsion system and ship

Abstract

To provide a ship propulsion system that can temporarily operate a hull as a ship operator intends irrespective of vertical motion of the hull when performing control for adjusting the ship speed on the basis of information concerning the vertical motion of the hull during waves.SOLUTION: A ship propulsion system 100 comprises a control part 14 which performs ship speed control during waves for adjusting a ship speed V on the basis of information concerning vertical motion of a hull 10. The control part 14 is configured to temporarily release a ship speed control mode during waves for only a prescribed time t when an operation for releasing the ship speed control mode during waves is performed for an operation part 30 in the ship speed control mode during waves for performing the ship speed control during waves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a boat propulsion system and a boat. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a ship propulsion system that performs control to adjust the ship speed based on information regarding the up and down movement of the ship's hull when waves are rough (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes a ship operation control device (ship propulsion system) that performs control to adjust the ship speed based on information regarding the vertical movement of the hull during rough waves. The ship operation control device described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 detects the degree of shock the hull receives during a voyage using an acceleration detector that detects the acceleration in the vertical direction of the hull, etc., and decelerates the hull when the acceleration in the vertical direction of the hull detected by the acceleration detector exceeds a preset limit value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-211190 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, as with the ship navigation control device (ship propulsion system) described in Patent Document 1, while control is being performed to adjust the ship speed based on information regarding the vertical movement of the hull in rough waves, there are cases where the ship operator wishes to temporarily operate the hull as intended, regardless of the vertical movement of the hull. For example, this may occur when it becomes necessary to suddenly avoid an obstacle, change course, or the like, or when the wave direction changes suddenly. For this reason, there is a demand for a configuration that allows the ship operator to temporarily operate the hull as intended, regardless of the vertical movement of the hull, while control is being performed to adjust the ship speed based on information regarding the vertical movement of the hull in rough waves.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a ship propulsion system and a ship that are capable of temporarily operating the hull as intended by the ship operator, regardless of information regarding the up and down movement of the hull, while control is being performed to adjust the ship speed based on information regarding the up and down movement of the hull in rough waves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a ship propulsion system according to a first aspect of the present invention is configured to include a propulsion unit provided on the hull, and to control the drive of the propulsion unit to adjust the ship speed, and is equipped with a control unit that performs ship speed control in rough waves to adjust the ship speed based on information regarding the up and down movement of the hull when waves are rough, and an operation unit that accepts operations by the ship operator, and the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the ship speed control in rough waves mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the ship speed control in rough waves mode is performed on the operation unit in the ship speed control in rough waves mode that performs ship speed control in rough waves.

[0008] In the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to cancel the vessel speed control mode for rough waves is performed on the operation unit in the vessel speed control mode for rough waves, in which vessel speed control for rough waves is performed. In this way, in the vessel speed control mode for rough waves, the vessel speed control mode for rough waves can be temporarily canceled for a predetermined time by the vessel helmsman performing an operation to cancel the vessel speed control mode on the operation unit. As a result, while control is being performed to adjust the vessel speed based on information regarding the vertical movement of the hull in rough waves, the vessel can be temporarily operated as intended by the vessel helmsman, regardless of the vertical movement of the hull.

[0009] In the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect, the control unit is preferably configured to return to the vessel speed control mode when a preset predetermined time has elapsed after the vessel speed control mode in rough waves has been temporarily cancelled. With this configuration, the vessel speed control mode in rough waves is automatically returned to when a preset predetermined time has elapsed after the vessel speed control mode in rough waves has been cancelled, so that a configuration in which the vessel speed control mode in rough waves is temporarily cancelled for only a preset time can be reliably realised, and the operational burden on the vessel operator can be reduced by the amount that the vessel speed control mode in rough waves does not need to be restored to the vessel speed control mode in rough waves.

[0010] In this case, the control unit is preferably configured to return to the rough wave vessel speed control mode when a preset predetermined time has elapsed with no operation being performed on the operation unit after the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released. With this configuration, if an operation is performed on the operation unit before the predetermined time has elapsed after the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released, the operation intended by the vessel operator can be prioritized without returning to the rough wave vessel speed control mode.

[0011] In the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect, the operation unit includes a vessel speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation to adjust the vessel speed and an operation to cancel the vessel speed control mode in the wave vessel speed control mode, and the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the vessel speed control in the wave vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to cancel the vessel speed control mode in the wave vessel speed control mode is performed on the vessel speed adjustment operator. Here, the vessel speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation to adjust the vessel speed is generally arranged relatively close to the vessel helmsman while maneuvering the vessel and can be operated by the vessel helmsman while maneuvering the vessel without the vessel helmsman hardly taking his / her eyes off the traveling direction of the vessel. Therefore, with the above-mentioned configuration, the vessel helmsman can cancel the vessel speed control mode in the wave vessel while maneuvering the vessel without hardly taking his / her hands off the vessel speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation to adjust the vessel speed and without hardly taking his / her eyes off the traveling direction. As a result, the rough sea vessel speed control mode can be temporarily released for a predetermined period of time easily and smoothly.

[0012] In this case, the boat speed adjustment operator is preferably a remote control lever having a lever section, which accepts a change in the rotational position of the lever section as an operation for adjusting the boat speed, and which accepts an operation for canceling the boat speed control mode in the wave-induced boat speed control mode, and the control section is configured to temporarily cancel the wave-induced boat speed control for a predetermined time when an operation for canceling the wave-induced boat speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever in the wave-induced boat speed control mode. With this configuration, the operation for canceling the wave-induced boat speed control mode can be performed on a common remote control lever as a boat speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation for adjusting the boat speed, so that a configuration can be easily realized in which the boat operator can cancel the wave-induced boat speed control mode while operating the boat, without having to take his / her hands off the remote control lever that is arranged relatively close to the boat operator and without having to take his / her eyes off the direction of travel. As a result, a configuration can be easily and smoothly realized in which the boat speed control mode can be temporarily canceled for a predetermined time.

[0013] In the above-mentioned configuration in which the control unit temporarily cancels the high-wave boat speed control for a predetermined time when an operation to cancel the high-wave boat speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever in the high-wave boat speed control mode, the control unit is preferably configured to temporarily cancel the high-wave boat speed control mode for a predetermined time when the rotational position of the lever part of the remote control lever is changed as an operation to cancel the high-wave boat speed control mode in the high-wave boat speed control mode. With this configuration, the operation to cancel the high-wave boat speed control mode can be performed by the lever part that adjusts the boat speed, so there is no need to provide the remote control lever with a button or the like dedicated to canceling the high-wave boat speed control mode. As a result, the configuration of the remote control lever can be simplified compared to when the operation to cancel the high-wave boat speed control mode is other than changing the rotational position of the lever part of the remote control lever.

[0014] In this case, the control unit is preferably configured to temporarily cancel the wave-condition vessel speed control mode and then return to the wave-condition vessel speed control mode at a vessel speed corresponding to the rotational position of the lever unit at the time of returning to the wave-condition vessel speed control mode. With this configuration, the vessel speed at the time of returning to the wave-condition vessel speed control mode becomes clearer than when the rotational position of the lever unit is not included in the vessel speed conditions at the time of returning to the wave-condition vessel speed control mode, thereby making it possible to prevent the process of the control unit returning to the wave-condition vessel speed control mode from becoming complicated.

[0015] In the configuration in which the control unit temporarily releases the rough sea vessel speed control for a predetermined time when an operation to release the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever in the rough sea vessel speed control mode, preferably the remote control lever includes a release button that accepts an operation to release the rough sea vessel speed control in the rough sea vessel speed control mode, and the control unit is configured to temporarily release the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to release the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the release button of the remote control lever in the rough sea vessel speed control mode. With this configuration, the operation to release the rough sea vessel speed control can be performed by a release button provided exclusively for releasing the rough sea vessel speed control, separate from the lever unit where the operation to adjust the vessel speed is performed, so that when performing the operation to release the rough sea vessel speed control, it is possible to prevent the accidental performance of an operation other than the operation to release the rough sea vessel speed control.

[0016] In the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect, the operation unit preferably has a handle unit and includes a steering handle that accepts a change in the rotation position of the handle unit as an operation to adjust the steering angle of the propulsion unit and an operation to cancel the vessel speed control mode in the vessel speed control mode in the wave-induced vessel, and the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the vessel speed control mode in the wave-induced vessel. Here, the steering handle that accepts a change in the rotation position of the handle unit as an operation to adjust the steering angle of the propulsion unit is generally arranged relatively close to the vessel operator while operating the vessel and so that the vessel operator can operate it without substantially taking his / her eyes off the traveling direction of the vessel. Therefore, with the above-mentioned configuration, the operation to cancel the vessel speed control mode in the wave-induced vessel can be performed on the steering handle that accepts an operation to adjust the steering angle of the propulsion unit, so that the vessel operator can cancel the vessel speed control mode in the wave-induced vessel while operating the vessel without substantially taking his / her hands off the steering handle that is arranged relatively close to the vessel operator and without substantially taking his / her eyes off the traveling direction. As a result, the rough sea vessel speed control mode can be temporarily released for a predetermined period of time easily and smoothly.

[0017] In the above-mentioned configuration in which the control unit returns to the high-wave vessel speed control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation being performed on the operation unit after the control unit has temporarily released the high-wave vessel speed control mode, the control unit is preferably configured to return to the high-wave vessel speed control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation being performed on the operation unit after the control unit has temporarily released the high-wave vessel speed control mode, the predetermined time being set in accordance with the vessel speed at the time the high-wave vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or information correlating with the vessel speed at the time the high-wave vessel speed control mode was temporarily released. With this configuration, the control unit can perform processing to return to the high-wave vessel speed control mode with the predetermined time for determining whether or not a state in which no operation is performed on the operation unit has elapsed when returning to the high-wave vessel speed control mode being appropriately set in accordance with the vessel speed at the time the high-wave vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or information correlating with the vessel speed at the time the high-wave vessel speed control mode was temporarily released (for example, the engine speed).

[0018] In a configuration in which the control unit returns to the rough sea ship speed control mode after a predetermined time has elapsed with no operation performed on the operation unit after temporarily canceling the rough sea ship speed control mode, preferably, the operation unit includes a ship speed adjustment operator that accepts operations to adjust the ship speed and also accepts operations to cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode in the rough sea ship speed control mode, and the control unit is configured to return to the rough sea ship speed control mode after temporarily canceling the rough sea ship speed control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed with no operation performed on the ship speed adjustment operator, and according to the state of the ship speed adjustment operator at the time the rough sea ship speed control mode was temporarily canceled, or a change in the state of the ship speed adjustment operator when the rough sea ship speed control mode was temporarily canceled. With this configuration, the control unit can process the return to the rough seas ship speed control mode with the specified time for determining whether or not no operation has been performed on the operating unit when returning to the rough seas ship speed control mode being appropriately set according to the state of the ship speed adjustment operator at the time the rough seas ship speed control mode is temporarily released, or the change in the state of the ship speed adjustment operator when the rough seas ship speed control mode is temporarily released.

[0019] In the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect, the operation unit preferably includes a touch panel displaying a cancel button for accepting an operation to cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode, and the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode is performed on the cancel button displayed on the touch panel in the rough wave vessel speed control mode. With this configuration, an operation to cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode can be performed on the cancel button displayed on the touch panel, so that the vessel operator can perform the operation to cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode while looking at the cancel button. As a result, the rough wave vessel speed control mode can be temporarily canceled for a predetermined period of time visually and easily.

[0020] In the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect, the operation unit preferably includes a switch panel on which a plurality of physical switches including a release button for receiving an operation to release the rough wave vessel speed control mode are arranged, and the control unit is configured to temporarily release the rough wave vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to release the rough wave vessel speed control mode is performed on the release button on the switch panel in the rough wave vessel speed control mode. With this configuration, the operation to release the rough wave vessel speed control mode can be performed on the release button as a physical switch arranged on the switch panel, so that once the vessel operator has memorized the position of the release button, the vessel operator can release the rough wave vessel speed control mode without looking at the release button. As a result, the rough wave vessel speed control mode can be easily released temporarily for a predetermined time.

[0021] In the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect, the operation unit preferably includes a mode start button that accepts an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode, and the control unit is configured to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode when an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the mode start button, and to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on an operation unit other than the mode start button in the rough sea vessel speed control mode. With this configuration, the operation to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode can be performed by an operation unit other than the mode start button that accepts an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode, so that the vessel operator can be prevented from mistakenly starting the rough sea vessel speed control mode when performing an operation to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode. In other words, it is possible to prevent a situation from occurring in which the vessel operator intends to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode but fails to perform the operation to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

[0022] In the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect described above, the control unit is preferably configured to perform notification control to notify the vessel operator that the vessel speed control mode for rough waves has been temporarily canceled when the vessel speed control mode for rough waves is temporarily canceled. With this configuration, when the vessel speed control mode for rough waves is temporarily canceled, the vessel operator can be made aware that the vessel speed control mode for rough waves has been temporarily canceled.

[0023] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a ship according to a second aspect of the present invention is configured to have a propulsion unit provided on the hull, and to control the drive of the propulsion unit to adjust the ship speed, and is equipped with a control unit that performs wave-time ship speed control to adjust the ship speed based on information regarding the up and down movement of the hull when waves are rough, and an operation unit that accepts operations by the ship operator, and the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the wave-time ship speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the wave-time ship speed control mode is performed on the operation unit in a wave-time ship speed control mode that performs wave-time ship speed control.

[0024] In the ship according to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the ship speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to cancel the ship speed control mode for rough waves is performed on the operation unit in the ship speed control mode for rough waves, in which ship speed control for rough waves is performed. As a result, as in the ship propulsion system according to the first aspect, in the ship speed control mode for rough waves, the ship helmsman can temporarily cancel the ship speed control mode for a predetermined time by performing an operation to cancel the ship speed control mode for rough waves on the operation unit. As a result, it is possible to provide a ship that can temporarily operate the hull as intended by the ship helmsman, regardless of the up and down movement of the hull, while control is being performed to adjust the ship speed based on information on the up and down movement of the hull in rough waves.

[0025] In the ship according to the second aspect, the control unit is preferably configured to return to the rough wave ship speed control mode when a preset predetermined time has elapsed after the rough wave ship speed control mode has been temporarily released. With this configuration, like the ship propulsion system according to the first aspect, it is possible to reliably realize a configuration in which the rough wave ship speed control mode is temporarily released for a predetermined time, and it is possible to reduce the operational burden on the ship operator by eliminating the need to perform an operation to return to the rough wave ship speed control mode.

[0026] In this case, the control unit is preferably configured to return to the rough wave vessel speed control mode when a preset predetermined time has elapsed with no operation being performed on the operation unit after the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released. With this configuration, as with the vessel propulsion system according to the first aspect, if an operation is performed on the operation unit before the predetermined time has elapsed after the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released, the vessel speed control mode is not returned to and the operation intended by the vessel operator can be prioritized.

[0027] In the ship according to the second aspect, the operation unit includes a boat speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed and an operation to cancel the wave-time boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode, and the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the wave-time boat speed control for a predetermined time when an operation to cancel the wave-time boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode is performed on the boat speed adjustment operator. With this configuration, the wave-time boat speed control mode can be easily and smoothly temporarily canceled for a predetermined time, similar to the ship propulsion system according to the first aspect.

[0028] In this case, the boat speed adjustment operator is preferably a remote control lever having a lever portion that accepts a change in the rotational position of the lever portion as an operation to adjust the boat speed and that accepts an operation to cancel the rough boat speed control mode in the rough boat speed control mode, and the control portion is configured to temporarily cancel the rough boat speed control for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough boat speed control mode in the rough boat speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever. With this configuration, it is possible to easily realize a configuration that can easily and smoothly cancel the rough boat speed control mode for a predetermined period of time, similar to the boat propulsion system according to the first aspect described above. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a ship propulsion system and a ship that can temporarily operate the hull as intended by the ship operator, regardless of the up and down movement of the hull, while control is being performed to adjust the ship speed based on information regarding the up and down movement of the hull during rough waves. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a marine propulsion system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a watercraft according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a remote control lever of the marine vessel propulsion system according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a steering handle of the marine vessel propulsion system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a touch panel of a marine vessel propulsion system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a side view showing a propulsion unit of a marine vessel propulsion system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in boat speed due to rough sea boat speed control in the boat propulsion system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 5 is a diagram for explaining adjustment of boat speed by rough sea boat speed control in a boat propulsion system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining temporary release of rough sea vessel speed control in the vessel propulsion system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which temporary release of rough sea vessel speed control is notified in the vessel propulsion system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a remote control lever of a marine vessel propulsion system according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a steering handle of a marine vessel propulsion system according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a touch panel of a marine vessel propulsion system according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a switch panel of a marine vessel propulsion system according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] A vessel propulsion system 100 and a vessel 110 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] (Ship propulsion system and overall configuration of the ship) As shown in Fig. 1, the vessel propulsion system 100 is provided on a vessel 110. The vessel propulsion system 100 is a system for propelling the vessel 110. The vessel 110 is a relatively small vessel used for, for example, sightseeing, fishing, and the like.

[0034] The vessel propulsion system 100 (vessel 110) includes a hull 10 and a propulsion unit 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the propulsion unit 20 is provided on the hull 10. Only one propulsion unit 20 is attached to the stern 11 of the hull 10. In other words, the propulsion unit 20 is an outboard motor.

[0035] (Hull configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the vessel 10 includes an operation unit 30, a control unit 14, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) 16, and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) communication unit 17.

[0036] The operation unit 30 is configured to receive operations by a boat operator to steer (operate) the boat 110. The operation unit 30 includes a remote control lever 31, a steering wheel 32, and a touch panel 33. The remote control lever 31 is an example of a "boat speed adjustment operator" in the claims.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, the remote control lever 31 accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed V (see Fig. 7). Specifically, the remote control lever 31 has a lever portion 31a, and accepts a change in the rotational position of the lever portion 31a as an operation to adjust the boat speed V. As shown in Fig. 4, the steering handle 32 has a handle portion 32a, and accepts a change in the rotational position of the handle portion 32a as an operation to adjust the steering angle of the propulsion unit 20 (see Fig. 1).

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, the touch panel 33 is configured to be able to display buttons operated by the operator, and information about the vessel 110 (see Fig. 1). The information about the vessel 110 includes, for example, the vessel speed V (actual vessel speed) (see Fig. 7), the rotation speed of the engine 22 (see Fig. 1) of the propulsion unit 20 (see Fig. 1), the shift state of the propulsion unit 20, and the navigation mode of the vessel 110. The navigation mode of the vessel 110 includes a vessel speed control mode in rough waves, which will be described later.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, the control unit 14 is configured to control an ECU (Engine Control Unit) 28 and an SCU (Steering Control Unit) 29 of the propulsion unit 20 based on an operation on an operation unit 30. In other words, the control unit 14 is configured to control the drive of the propulsion unit 20 so as to adjust the boat speed V (see Fig. 7). The control unit 14 is a computer that includes an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), non-volatile memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0040] The IMU 16 includes a gyro, an accelerometer, etc. The IMU 16 is configured to be capable of detecting acceleration in the vertical direction, etc., of the hull 10. In other words, the IMU 16 is configured to be capable of detecting information Ia relating to the vertical movement of the hull 10. The control unit 14 acquires the information Ia relating to the vertical movement of the hull 10 detected by the IMU 16.

[0041] The GNSS communication unit 17, together with the GNSS satellites 121, constitutes a global satellite positioning system 120. The GNSS communication unit 17 is configured to be able to communicate with the GNSS satellites 121. The control unit 14 acquires the position information of the hull 10, the ship speed V (actual ship speed) (see FIG. 7), and the like, based on information communicated with the GNSS satellites 121 via the GNSS communication unit 17.

[0042] (Propulsion unit configuration) 6, the propulsion unit 20 includes a propulsion unit main body 20a and a bracket 20b. The propulsion unit main body 20a is attached to a transom 12 provided at the stern 11 of the hull 10 via the bracket 20b.

[0043] The propulsion unit 20 includes an engine 22 that drives a propeller 21 that generates thrust. In other words, the propulsion unit 20 is an engine-type outboard motor configured to drive the propeller 21 with the engine 22. Specifically, the propulsion unit body 20a includes the engine 22, a drive shaft 23, a gear unit 24, a propeller shaft 25, and the propeller 21. The engine 22 is an internal combustion engine that generates driving force. The driving force of the engine 22 is transmitted to the propeller 21 via the drive shaft 23, the gear unit 24, and the propeller shaft 25. The propeller 21 rotates in water by the transmitted driving force of the engine 22, thereby generating thrust for propelling the hull 10.

[0044] The propulsion unit main body 20a includes a shift actuator 26 that switches the shift state of the propulsion unit 20. The shift actuator 26 is configured to switch the shift state of the propulsion unit 20 between a forward state, a reverse state, and a neutral state by switching the meshing of the gear portion 24. The forward state is a state in which the driving force of the engine 22 is transmitted to the propeller 21 so as to generate thrust from the propeller 21 to the FWD side. The reverse state is a state in which the driving force of the engine 22 is transmitted to the propeller 21 so as to generate thrust from the propeller 21 to the BWD side. The neutral state is a state in which the driving force of the engine 22 is not transmitted to the propeller 21 so as not to generate thrust from the propeller 21.

[0045] The propulsion unit 20 includes a steering device 27 for changing the direction of the propulsive force generated by the propeller 21 so as to change the traveling direction of the hull 10. Specifically, the steering device 27 is provided on the bracket 20b. The steering device 27 includes a steering shaft 27a extending in the vertical direction. The propulsion unit body 20a is configured to be rotatable in the left-right direction with respect to the bracket 20b by the steering device 27 around the steering shaft 27a as the center of rotation. When the propulsion unit body 20a rotates in the left-right direction around the steering shaft 27a as the center of rotation, the orientation of the propeller 21 also rotates in the left-right direction. This changes the direction of the propulsive force generated by the propeller 21. In other words, the propulsion unit 20 is steered.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, the propulsion unit 20 includes an ECU 28 and an SCU 29. The ECU 28 is configured to control the drive of the engine 22 and the drive of the shift actuator 26 based on control by the control unit 14. That is, the control unit 14 controls the drive of the engine 22 via the ECU 28 so as to change the propulsive force by the propeller 21, thereby controlling the boat speed V (see Fig. 7). The SCU 29 is configured to control the drive of the steering device 27 based on control by the control unit 14. Each of the ECU 28 and the SCU 29 is a computer including an arithmetic device such as a CPU, non-volatile memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and the like.

[0047] (Ship speed control in rough waves) As shown in Fig. 7, the vessel propulsion system 100 (see Fig. 1) (vessel 110 (see Fig. 1)) is configured to adjust the vessel speed V during rough waves so that impacts on the vessel 10 caused by the vessel 10 riding over waves are kept within a preset range. Specifically, the control unit 14 (see Fig. 1) performs vessel speed control during rough waves, which adjusts the vessel speed V based on information Ia (see Fig. 1) relating to the up and down movement of the vessel 10. The information Ia relating to the up and down movement of the vessel 10 is, for example, the acceleration of the vessel 10 in the vertical direction.

[0048] In detail, as shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 14 (see Fig. 1) first acquires information Ia (see Fig. 1) relating to the up and down movement of the hull 10 from the IMU 16 (see Fig. 1). The control unit 14 then calculates a target ship speed VT, which is a target value for the ship speed V, based on the acquired information Ia relating to the up and down movement of the hull 10, the ship speed V (actual ship speed) acquired by the global satellite positioning system 120 (see Fig. 1), and information Ib for keeping the impact on the hull 10 within a preset range. The control unit 14 then performs feedback control to adjust the ship speed V based on the difference between the calculated target ship speed VT and the acquired ship speed V (actual ship speed).

[0049] The control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is configured to calculate the target ship speed VT based on a value obtained by averaging the acquired information Ia related to the up and down movement of the hull 10 over a predetermined period P. Specifically, the control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) calculates the target ship speed VT based on a value obtained by averaging the acquired information Ia related to the up and down movement of the hull 10 over a predetermined period P, a value obtained by averaging the ship speed V (actual ship speed) over the predetermined period P, and information Ib for keeping the impact on the hull 10 within a preset range, so that the impact on the hull 10 caused by the hull 10 riding over waves during rough seas falls within a preset range.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 14 (see Fig. 1) performs vessel speed control in rough waves when the navigation mode of the vessel 110 (see Fig. 1) is a vessel speed control mode in rough waves that performs vessel speed control in rough waves. Note that in Fig. 7, a state in which the navigation mode of the vessel 110 is the vessel speed control mode in rough waves and a state in which the vessel speed control mode in rough waves is not the vessel speed control mode in rough waves are shown as vessel speed control mode in rough waves ON and vessel speed control mode in rough waves OFF, respectively.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the operation unit 30 (see FIG. 1) includes a mode start button 33a that accepts an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode. Specifically, the touch panel 33 displays the mode start button 33a that accepts an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is configured to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode when an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the mode start button 33a. Specifically, the control unit 14 starts the rough sea vessel speed control mode when the mode start button 33a displayed on the touch panel 33 is pressed. Note that the control unit 14 is configured to end the rough sea vessel speed control mode when an operation is performed on the mode start button 33a in the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

[0052] (Temporary release of ship speed control in rough waves) As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the operation unit 30 in the rough sea vessel speed control mode for performing rough sea vessel speed control. Specifically, the remote control lever 31 accepts an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode in the rough sea vessel speed control mode. The operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is a change in the rotational position of the lever unit 31a of the remote control lever 31. The control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control for a predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever 31 (an operation unit other than the mode start button 33a) in the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

[0053] The control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is configured to return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode when a predetermined time t has elapsed, which is set in advance according to the vessel speed V (see FIG. 7) at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or the engine speed V (see FIG. 1) at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released, without any operation being performed on the operation unit 30. Here, since the impact on the hull 10 increases as the vessel speed V increases, it is desirable to return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode relatively quickly after the rough sea vessel speed control mode is temporarily released when the vessel speed V is relatively high. Therefore, for example, the predetermined time t is set to be relatively small when the vessel speed V (engine speed 22) at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released is relatively high, and to be relatively large when the vessel speed V (engine speed 22) at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released is relatively low.

[0054] The control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is configured to return to the rough sea boat speed control mode when a predetermined time t has elapsed that is preset according to the state of the remote control lever 31 at the time the rough sea boat speed control mode was temporarily released or the change in the state of the remote control lever 31 when the rough sea boat speed control mode was temporarily released, without any operation being performed on the operation unit 30, after the rough sea boat speed control mode has been temporarily released. Specifically, the control unit 14 is configured to return to the rough sea boat speed control mode when a predetermined time t has elapsed that is preset according to the rotational position of the lever section 31a of the remote control lever 31 at the time the rough sea boat speed control mode was temporarily released or the amount of change in the rotational position of the lever section 31a of the remote control lever 31 when the rough sea boat speed control mode was temporarily released, without any operation being performed on the operation unit 30, after the rough sea boat speed control mode has been temporarily released. As described above, the higher the boat speed V (see FIG. 7), the greater the impact on the hull 10, and therefore, when the boat speed V is relatively high, it is desirable to return to the boat speed control mode in rough waves relatively quickly after the boat speed control mode in rough waves is temporarily released. Therefore, for example, the predetermined time t is set to be relatively small when the rotational position of the lever section 31a of the remote control lever 31 at the time the boat speed control mode in rough waves is temporarily released is relatively far from the neutral position (when the target boat speed VT (and therefore the boat speed V) is large), and to be relatively large when the rotational position of the lever section 31a of the remote control lever 31 at the time the boat speed control mode in rough waves is temporarily released is relatively close to the neutral position (when the target boat speed VT (and therefore the boat speed V) is small). Furthermore, as described below, after the control unit 14 temporarily cancels the rough sea vessel speed control mode, it returns to the rough sea vessel speed control mode at a vessel speed V that corresponds to the rotational position of the lever section 31a at the time of returning to the rough sea vessel speed control mode. Therefore, the greater the change in the rotational position of the lever section 31a of the remote control lever 31, the longer the time required to change (accelerate or decelerate) the vessel speed V.Therefore, for example, the specified time t is set to be relatively large when the amount of change in the rotational position of the lever portion 31a of the remote control lever 31 when the rough sea boat speed control mode is temporarily released is relatively large, and to be relatively small when the amount of change in the rotational position of the lever portion 31a of the remote control lever 31 when the rough sea boat speed control mode is temporarily released is relatively small.

[0055] The control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is configured to temporarily cancel the boat speed control mode in rough waves, and then to return to the boat speed control mode in rough waves at a boat speed V (see FIG. 7) that corresponds to the rotational position of the lever unit 31a at the time of returning to the boat speed control mode in rough waves. In other words, when returning to the boat speed control mode in rough waves, the boat speed V immediately becomes a normal state in which it is adjusted according to the rotational position of the lever unit 31a.

[0056] The control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) is configured to perform notification control to notify the operator that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled when the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled, the control unit 14 performs notification control to display a message 33b indicating that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled on the touch panel 33. Note that the control unit 14 may also perform notification control such as control to display a mark indicating that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled on the touch panel 33, control to output a sound indicating that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled, control to light or blink a lamp indicating that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled, etc.

[0057] [Effects of the embodiment] In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0058] In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the operation unit 30 in the rough sea vessel speed control mode in which rough sea vessel speed control is performed. In this way, in the rough sea vessel speed control mode, the vessel speed control mode can be temporarily canceled for the predetermined time t by the vessel operator performing an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode on the operation unit 30. As a result, while control is being performed to adjust the vessel speed V based on information Ia regarding the up and down movement of the vessel 10 in rough waves, the vessel 10 can be temporarily operated as intended by the vessel operator, regardless of the up and down movement of the vessel 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 is configured to return to the rough wave vessel speed control mode when a preset predetermined time t has elapsed after the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released. This allows the vessel speed control mode to be automatically returned to when the preset predetermined time t has elapsed since the rough wave vessel speed control mode was released, so that a configuration can be reliably realized in which the rough wave vessel speed control mode is temporarily released for the preset time t, and the operational burden on the vessel operator can be reduced by the amount that there is no need to perform an operation to return to the rough wave vessel speed control mode.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 is configured to return to the rough wave vessel speed control mode when a preset predetermined time t has elapsed without any operation being performed on the operation unit 30 after the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released. As a result, if any operation is performed on the operation unit 30 before the predetermined time t has elapsed after the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released, the operation intended by the vessel operator can be prioritized without returning to the rough wave vessel speed control mode.

[0061] In this embodiment, as described above, the operation unit 30 includes a boat speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed V and an operation to cancel the boat speed control mode in the wave-induced boat speed control mode, and the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the wave-induced boat speed control for a predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the wave-induced boat speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever 31 (boat speed adjustment operator) in the wave-induced boat speed control mode. Here, the remote control lever 31 that accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed V is generally arranged relatively close to the boat helmsman while maneuvering the boat and is operable by the boat helmsman while maneuvering the boat without the boat helmsman hardly taking his / her eyes off the traveling direction of the boat 110. Therefore, since an operation to cancel the wave-induced boat speed control mode can be performed on the remote control lever 31 that accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed V, the boat helmsman can cancel the wave-induced boat speed control mode while maneuvering the boat without hardly taking his / her hands off the remote control lever 31 that is arranged relatively close to the boat helmsman and without hardly taking his / her eyes off the traveling direction. As a result, the rough sea vessel speed control mode can be temporarily released for the predetermined time t easily and smoothly.

[0062] In this embodiment, as described above, the boat speed adjustment operator is the remote control lever 31 having the lever portion 31a, which accepts a change in the rotational position of the lever portion 31a as an operation for adjusting the boat speed V, and accepts an operation for canceling the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode. The control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the boat speed control in the wave-time boat speed control for a predetermined time t when an operation for canceling the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever 31 in the wave-time boat speed control mode. As a result, since the operation for canceling the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode can be performed on the remote control lever 31, which is a general boat speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation for adjusting the boat speed V, a configuration can be easily realized in which the boat helmsman can cancel the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode without taking his / her hand off the remote control lever 31, which is arranged relatively close to the boat helmsman, and without taking his / her eyes off the traveling direction during operation. As a result, a configuration can be easily realized in which the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode can be easily and smoothly canceled for a predetermined time t.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time t when the rotational position of the lever portion 31a of the remote control lever 31 is changed as an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode in the rough sea vessel speed control mode. As a result, the operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode can be performed by the lever portion 31a which performs the operation to adjust the vessel speed V, so there is no need to provide the remote control lever 31 with a button or the like dedicated to canceling the rough sea vessel speed control mode. As a result, the configuration of the remote control lever 31 can be simplified compared to the case where the operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is other than changing the rotational position of the lever portion 31a of the remote control lever 31.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the wave-induced vessel speed control mode, and then return to the wave-induced vessel speed control mode at a vessel speed V that corresponds to the rotational position of the lever unit 31a at the time of returning to the wave-induced vessel speed control mode. This makes the vessel speed V at the time of returning to the wave-induced vessel speed control mode clearer than when the conditions for the vessel speed V at the time of returning to the wave-induced vessel speed control mode do not include the rotational position of the lever unit 31a, thereby preventing the process of the control unit 14 returning to the wave-induced vessel speed control mode from becoming complicated.

[0065] In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 is configured to return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode when a predetermined time t, which is set in advance according to the vessel speed V at the time when the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or the information correlating to the vessel speed V at the time when the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released, has elapsed without any operation being performed on the operation unit 30 after the rough sea vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released. This allows the control unit 14 to perform processing to return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode in a state in which the predetermined time for determining whether or not a state in which no operation is performed on the operation unit 30 has elapsed when returning to the rough sea vessel speed control mode is appropriately set according to the vessel speed V at the time when the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or the information (the rotation speed of the engine 22) correlating to the vessel speed V at the time when the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released.

[0066] In this embodiment, as described above, the operation unit 30 includes a remote control lever 31 (a boat speed adjustment operation element) that accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed V and an operation to cancel the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode. The control unit 14 is configured to return to the wave-time boat speed control mode after temporarily canceling the wave-time boat speed control mode when a predetermined time t has elapsed that is set in advance according to the state of the remote control lever 31 at the time the wave-time boat speed control mode was temporarily cancelled or the change in the state of the remote control lever 31 when the wave-time boat speed control mode was temporarily cancelled without any operation being performed on the operation unit 30. This allows the control unit 14 to perform processing to return to the wave-time boat speed control mode in a state where the predetermined time t for determining whether or not a state where no operation is performed on the operation unit 30 has elapsed when returning to the wave-time boat speed control mode is appropriately set according to the state of the remote control lever 31 at the time the wave-time boat speed control mode was temporarily cancelled or the change in the state of the remote control lever 31 when the wave-time boat speed control mode was temporarily cancelled.

[0067] In this embodiment, as described above, the operation unit 30 includes the mode start button 33a that accepts an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode. The control unit 14 is configured to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode when an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the mode start button 33a. The control unit 14 is also configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on an operation unit other than the mode start button 33a in the rough sea vessel speed control mode. This allows the operation to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode to be performed by an operation unit other than the mode start button 33a that accepts an operation to start the rough sea vessel speed control mode, so that the operator can be prevented from accidentally starting the rough sea vessel speed control mode when performing an operation to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode. In other words, it is possible to prevent a situation from occurring in which the vessel operator intends to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode but fails to perform the operation to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

[0068] In this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 is configured to perform notification control to notify the vessel operator that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled when the rough wave vessel speed control mode is temporarily canceled. This allows the vessel operator to recognize that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled when the rough wave vessel speed control mode is temporarily canceled.

[0069] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0070] For example, in the above embodiment, the control unit 14 is configured to perform notification control to notify the vessel operator that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled when the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may be configured not to perform notification control to notify the vessel operator that the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled when the rough wave vessel speed control mode has been temporarily canceled.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on an operation unit other than the mode start button 33a in the rough sea vessel speed control mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may be configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the mode start button in the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the control unit 14 is configured to return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode when a predetermined time t has elapsed that is set in advance according to the state of the remote control lever 31 (boat speed adjustment operator) at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or the change in the state of the remote control lever 31 when the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released, without any operation being performed on the operation unit 30 after the rough sea vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may be configured to return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed that is set in advance regardless of the state of the boat speed adjustment operator at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or the change in the state of the boat speed adjustment operator when the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released, without any operation being performed on the operation unit after the rough sea vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released,

[0073] In the above embodiment, the control unit 14 is configured to return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode when a predetermined time t preset in accordance with the vessel speed V at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or information correlating with the vessel speed V at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released has elapsed without performing any operation on the operation unit 30 after the rough sea vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may be configured to return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode when a predetermined time preset in accordance with the vessel speed V at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released or information correlating with the vessel speed V at the time the rough sea vessel speed control mode was temporarily released has elapsed after the rough sea vessel speed control mode has been temporarily released without performing any operation on the operation unit.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the boat speed control mode in rough waves and then return to the boat speed control mode in rough waves at a boat speed V that corresponds to the rotational position of the lever unit 31a at the time of returning to the boat speed control mode in rough waves, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may be configured to temporarily cancel the boat speed control mode in rough waves and then return to the boat speed control mode in rough waves at a boat speed that corresponds to a condition other than the rotational position of the lever unit at the time of returning to the boat speed control mode in rough waves.

[0075] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea boat speed control mode for a predetermined time t when the rotational position of the lever portion 31a of the remote control lever 31 is changed as an operation to cancel the rough sea boat speed control mode in the rough sea boat speed control mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as in a first modified example shown in Fig. 11, the remote control lever 231 may include a cancel button 231b that accepts an operation to cancel the rough sea boat speed control in the rough sea boat speed control mode, and the control unit may be configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea boat speed control mode for the predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the rough sea boat speed control mode in the rough sea boat speed control mode is performed on the cancel button 231b of the remote control lever 231. As a result, the operation to release the rough sea vessel speed control can be performed using a release button 231b provided specifically for releasing the rough sea vessel speed control, separate from the lever section 31a used to adjust the vessel speed, thereby preventing the accidental performance of operations other than releasing the rough sea vessel speed control when performing the operation to release the rough sea vessel speed control.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the boat speed adjustment operator is the remote control lever 31 having the lever portion 31a, which accepts a change in the rotational position of the lever portion 31a as an operation for adjusting the boat speed V, and which accepts an operation for canceling the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode, and the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the boat speed control in rough seas for a predetermined time t when an operation for canceling the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever 31 in the wave-time boat speed control mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the boat speed adjustment operator may be an operator other than the remote control lever (for example, a joystick, a paddle operation unit (an operation unit provided on the steering handle and operable without taking hands off the steering handle), etc.), and the control unit may be configured to temporarily cancel the boat speed control in rough seas for a predetermined time when an operation for canceling the boat speed control mode in the wave-time boat speed control mode is performed on an operator other than the remote control lever.

[0077] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the operation unit 30 includes a remote control lever 31 (boat speed adjustment operator) that accepts an operation to cancel the rough wave boat speed control mode in the rough wave boat speed control mode, and that accepts an operation to cancel the rough wave boat speed control mode in the rough wave boat speed control mode, and the control unit 14 is configured to temporarily cancel the rough wave boat speed control for a predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the rough wave boat speed control mode in the rough wave boat speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as in a second modified example shown in Fig. 12, the operation unit may include a steering handle 332 (provided with a release button 332b) that has a handle section and accepts a change in the rotation position of the handle section as an operation to adjust the steering angle of the propulsion unit, and accepts an operation to cancel the rough boat speed control mode in the rough boat speed control mode, and the control unit may be configured to temporarily cancel the rough boat speed control mode for a predetermined time t when an operation to cancel the rough boat speed control mode in the rough boat speed control mode is performed on the steering handle 332 (on its release button 332b). Here, the steering handle that accepts a change in the rotation position of the handle section as an operation to adjust the steering angle of the propulsion unit is generally positioned relatively close to the boat operator while operating the vessel and so that the boat operator can operate it without having to take his or her eyes off the traveling direction of the vessel. Therefore, the operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode can be performed on the steering handle 332 which accepts the operation to adjust the steering angle of the propulsion unit, so that, as in the above embodiment, the vessel helmsman can cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode without taking his / her hands off the steering handle 332 which is positioned relatively close to the vessel helmsman and without taking his / her eyes off the direction of travel while maneuvering the vessel, as in the above embodiment. As a result, as in the above embodiment, the rough sea vessel speed control mode can be easily and smoothly temporarily cancelled for a predetermined period of time.In addition, in the present invention, as in a third modified example shown in Fig. 13, the operation unit may include a touch panel 433 on which a cancel button 433c for accepting an operation to cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode is displayed, and the control unit may be configured to temporarily cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode is performed on the cancel button 433c displayed on the touch panel 433 in the rough wave vessel speed control mode. In this way, an operation to cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode can be performed on the cancel button displayed on the touch panel 433, so that the vessel operator can perform the operation to cancel the rough wave vessel speed control mode while looking at the cancel button 433c. As a result, the rough wave vessel speed control mode can be temporarily canceled for a predetermined time visually and easily. In addition, in the present invention, as in a fourth modified example shown in Fig. 14, the operation unit may include a switch panel 534 on which a plurality of physical switches including a release button 534a for receiving an operation to release the rough wave vessel speed control mode are arranged, and the control unit may be configured to temporarily release the rough wave vessel speed control mode for a predetermined time when an operation to release the rough wave vessel speed control mode is performed on the release button 534a of the switch panel 534 in the rough wave vessel speed control mode. In this way, the operation to release the rough wave vessel speed control mode can be performed on the release button 534a as a physical switch arranged on the switch panel 534, so that once the operator has memorized the position of the release button, the operator can release the rough wave vessel speed control mode without looking at the release button. As a result, the rough wave vessel speed control mode can be easily released temporarily for a predetermined time.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control unit 14 is configured to return to the rough wave vessel speed control mode when a preset time t has elapsed without any operation being performed on the operation unit 30 after the control unit 14 has temporarily released the rough wave vessel speed control mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may be configured to return to the rough wave vessel speed control mode when a preset time has elapsed after the control unit has temporarily released the rough wave vessel speed control mode, regardless of whether any operation is performed on the operation unit.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the control unit 14 is configured to return to the vessel speed control mode when a preset predetermined time t has elapsed after the vessel speed control mode in rough waves has been temporarily released, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may be configured to return to the vessel speed control mode in rough waves when a condition other than the elapsed time after the vessel speed control mode in rough waves has been temporarily released is satisfied after the vessel speed control mode in rough waves has been temporarily released.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which only one propulsion unit 20 is attached to the stern 11 of the hull 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, two or more propulsion units may be attached to the stern of the hull.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the propulsion unit 20 is an outboard motor attached to the stern 11 of the hull 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the propulsion unit may be an inboard motor disposed inside the hull, or an inboard / outboard motor attached to the hull such that a portion of the propulsion unit is disposed inside the hull. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10. Hull 14 Control section 20 Propulsion machine 30 Control section 31, 231 Remote control lever (for adjusting boat speed) 31a (Remote control lever) lever part 32, 332 Steering wheel 32a (Steering handle) handle part 33, 433 Touch Panel 33a Mode start button 100 Marine Propulsion Systems 110 Ships 231b (Remote control lever) release button 433c (Touch panel) release button 534 Switch Panel 534a (switch panel) release button Ia Information on the vertical movement of the vessel t (Temporarily disables the wave speed control mode) A specified time V Ship speed

Claims

1. A propulsion unit provided in the hull; a control unit configured to control the drive of the propulsion unit to adjust the boat speed, and performing boat speed control in rough waves to adjust the boat speed based on information related to the up and down movement of the hull during rough waves; An operation unit that receives an operation by a vessel operator, The control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the operation unit while the rough sea vessel speed control mode is in the rough sea vessel speed control mode, which performs the rough sea vessel speed control.

2. The vessel propulsion system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode and then return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode when a preset predetermined time has elapsed.

3. The ship propulsion system of claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode and then return to the rough sea ship speed control mode when a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation being performed on the operating unit.

4. the operation unit includes a boat speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed and an operation to cancel the rough boat speed control mode in the rough boat speed control mode, The ship propulsion system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea ship speed control for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode is performed on the ship speed adjustment operator while in the rough sea ship speed control mode.

5. the boat speed adjustment operator is a remote control lever that has a lever portion and accepts a change in a rotational position of the lever portion as an operation to adjust the boat speed, and accepts an operation to cancel the boat speed control mode in the wave-induced boat speed control mode, The vessel propulsion system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever while in the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

6. The ship propulsion system of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when the rotational position of the lever portion of the remote control lever is changed as an operation to cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode in the rough sea ship speed control mode.

7. The ship propulsion system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the wave-condition ship speed control mode, and then return to the wave-condition ship speed control mode at a ship speed that corresponds to the rotational position of the lever unit at the time of returning to the wave-condition ship speed control mode.

8. the remote control lever includes a release button that accepts an operation to release the rough sea boat speed control in the rough sea boat speed control mode, The vessel propulsion system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the vessel speed control mode during rough seas for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the vessel speed control mode during rough seas is performed on the release button of the remote control lever.

9. the operation unit includes a steering handle having a handle portion and accepting a change in a rotation position of the handle portion as an operation to adjust a steering angle of the propulsion unit, and accepting an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode in the rough sea vessel speed control mode, The vessel propulsion system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the steering handle while in the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

10. The ship propulsion system described in claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to return to the rough sea ship speed control mode after temporarily canceling the rough sea ship speed control mode and, when no operation is performed on the operating unit, a predetermined time has elapsed that is set in advance according to the ship speed at the time the rough sea ship speed control mode was temporarily canceled or information correlating to the ship speed at the time the rough sea ship speed control mode was temporarily canceled.

11. the operation unit includes a boat speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed and an operation to cancel the rough boat speed control mode in the rough boat speed control mode, The ship propulsion system described in claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to return to the rough sea ship speed control mode after the rough sea ship speed control mode is temporarily canceled, when no operation is performed on the ship speed adjustment operator, and when a predetermined time has elapsed that is preset in accordance with the state of the ship speed adjustment operator at the time the rough sea ship speed control mode was temporarily canceled, or the change in the state of the ship speed adjustment operator when the rough sea ship speed control mode was temporarily canceled.

12. The operation unit includes a touch panel on which a cancel button is displayed to accept an operation to cancel the rough boat speed control mode, The ship propulsion system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode is performed on the cancel button displayed on the touch panel while in the rough sea ship speed control mode.

13. The operation unit includes a switch panel on which a plurality of physical switches including a release button for accepting an operation to release the rough water vessel speed control mode are arranged, The ship propulsion system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea ship speed control mode is performed on the cancel button of the switch panel while in the rough sea ship speed control mode.

14. The operation unit includes a mode start button that accepts an operation to start the rough boat speed control mode, The control unit is The boat speed control mode in rough waves is started when an operation to start the boat speed control mode in rough waves is performed on the mode start button, The ship propulsion system of claim 1, wherein the ship speed control mode is temporarily cancelled for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the ship speed control mode in the wave-induced ship speed control mode is performed on an operating unit other than the mode start button.

15. The ship propulsion system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to perform notification control, when the wave-induced ship speed control mode is temporarily canceled, to notify the ship operator that the wave-induced ship speed control mode has been temporarily canceled.

16. A propulsion unit provided in the hull; a control unit configured to control the drive of the propulsion unit to adjust the boat speed, and performing boat speed control in rough waves to adjust the boat speed based on information related to the up and down movement of the hull during rough waves; An operation unit that receives an operation by a vessel operator, The control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the operation unit in the rough sea vessel speed control mode which performs the rough sea vessel speed control.

17. The vessel according to claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured to return to the vessel speed control mode when a preset predetermined time has elapsed after temporarily canceling the vessel speed control mode in rough waves.

18. The ship described in claim 17, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode and then return to the rough sea vessel speed control mode when a pre-set predetermined time has elapsed without any operation being performed on the operating unit.

19. the operation unit includes a boat speed adjustment operator that accepts an operation to adjust the boat speed and an operation to cancel the rough boat speed control mode in the rough boat speed control mode, The ship described in claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the vessel speed adjustment operator while in the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

20. the boat speed adjustment operator is a remote control lever that has a lever portion and accepts a change in a rotational position of the lever portion as an operation to adjust the boat speed, and accepts an operation to cancel the boat speed control mode in the wave-induced boat speed control mode, The vessel according to claim 19, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode for a predetermined period of time when an operation to cancel the rough sea vessel speed control mode is performed on the remote control lever while in the rough sea vessel speed control mode.

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