Remote control device

Abstract

To inhibit expansion of an area of an installation surface at the ship side which is needed to install a remote control device even if a display is provided at the remote control device.SOLUTION: A remote control device 11 includes: a remote control device main body 12 including a main body case 13 installed on an installation surface 5 provided in a ship, and a remote control lever 17 attached to the main body case 13; a display unit 22 provided outside the main body case 13, and including a display case 23 and a display 25 provided in the display case 23; and a support arm 41 that couples the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12 to each other, and that supports the display unit 22 such that the display unit 22 is disposed at a position separated from the remote control device main body 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control device for remotely operating a marine propulsion unit.

Background Art

[0002] A remote control device for remotely operating a marine propulsion unit such as an outboard motor is often installed on a console (operation desk or control desk) provided on a ship. The remote control device is provided with a remote control lever, and the operator can control the magnitude or direction of the propulsion force generated by the marine propulsion unit by operating the remote control lever to tilt it.

[0003] Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-176618 (Patent Document 1) describes a remote control device in which a display is incorporated in a housing so that various information related to a marine propulsion unit or a ship can be displayed on the display.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a display is incorporated into the housing of a remote control device, the housing becomes larger. As a result, in order to install the remote control device on a ship console, a large installation surface is required on the console. However, in the case of small ships, or ships with a small console despite a large hull, or ships with a small console but with a large number of devices installed on the console and little free space, it may be difficult to secure a large installation surface on the console. In such cases, it becomes difficult to install the remote control device on the ship.

[0006] Also, for example, by drawing an image of a meter on the display and using the image to display information such as speed or rotational speed, etc., the visibility or design of the information display can be enhanced by using graphics on the display. Also, by making it easier to view a lot of information simultaneously on the display, convenience can be improved. In order to achieve such things, it is desirable to provide a large display with a large number of pixels in the remote control device. However, when a large display is incorporated into the housing of the remote control device, the housing becomes even larger, and when installing the remote control device on the console, an even larger installation surface is required on the console.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of problems such as those described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device that can suppress an increase in the area of the installation surface on the ship side required for installing the remote control device even when a display is provided in the remote control device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a remote control device for remotely operating a marine propulsion device provided on a ship, the remote control device comprising: a main body case installed on an installation surface provided on the ship; and a remote control device main body having a remote control lever attached to the main body case; a display case; and a display provided in the display case, the display unit being provided outside the main body case; and a support mechanism that couples the display unit and the remote control device main body to each other and supports the display unit so that the display unit is disposed at a position away from the remote control device main body.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, even when a display is provided in the remote control device, it is possible to suppress an increase in the area of the installation surface on the ship side required for installing the remote control device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] (A) is a perspective view showing a ship provided with the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is an explanatory view showing a console or the like provided on the ship. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] (A) is a front view of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a plan view of the remote control device. [Figure 4] It is a left side view of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] (A) is a right side view of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (B) to (D) are explanatory views showing changes in the position and orientation of the display unit in the remote control device. [Figure 6]Exploded view of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Explanatory drawing showing a state in which the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed on an inclined installation surface. [Figure 8] Front view of the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] (A) is a right side view of the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and (B) and (C) are explanatory drawings showing changes in the position and orientation of the display unit in the remote control device. [Figure 10] (A) is a front view of a modified example of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a front view of another modified example of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The remote control device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a device for remotely operating a ship propulsion machine provided on a ship. The remote control device according to the present embodiment includes a remote control device main body, a display unit, and a support mechanism.

[0012] The remote control device main body has a main body case and a remote control lever attached to the main body case. The main body case is installed on an installation surface provided on a ship, for example, an installation surface of a console provided on the ship.

[0013] The display unit has a display case and a display provided in the display case. Further, the display unit is provided outside the main body case of the remote control device main body.

[0014] The support mechanism couples the display unit and the main body of the remote control device to each other and supports the display unit so that the display unit is disposed at a position separated from the main body of the remote control device.

[0015] In the remote control device of the present embodiment, the main body case of the main body of the remote control device is installed on the installation surface provided on the ship. Therefore, when the main body case is large, the area of the installation surface on the hull side required for installing the remote control device becomes large, and when the main body case is small, the area of the installation surface on the hull side required for installing the remote control device becomes small. In the remote control device of the present embodiment, since the display unit is provided outside the main body case of the main body of the remote control device and is disposed at a position separated from the main body of the remote control device, the main body case of the main body of the remote control device can be made smaller as compared with the case where the display unit is provided in the main body case of the main body of the remote control device. Therefore, according to the remote control device of the present embodiment, even when a display is provided in the remote control device, an increase in the area of the installation surface on the ship side required for installing the remote control device can be suppressed. Further, according to the remote control device of the present embodiment, even when the display provided in the remote control device is enlarged, an increase in the area of the installation surface on the ship side required for installing the remote control device can be suppressed.

Example

[0016] A first embodiment of the remote control device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the directions regarding the ship are based on a person standing at the center of the deck of the ship facing the bow of the ship. Specifically, the front for that person, i.e., the direction of the bow, is defined as the front regarding the ship, the upward direction for that person is defined as the upward direction regarding the ship, and the right side for that person is defined as the right side regarding the ship. The white arrow A in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7 indicates the forward direction regarding the ship. The directions regarding the remote control device are defined separately from the directions regarding the ship. The directions regarding the remote control device are defined based on the installation surface on which the remote control device is installed. Specifically, the direction perpendicular to the installation surface is the vertical direction, one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is the front-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction is the left-right direction. The arrow Fd in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7 indicates the front regarding the remote control device, the arrow Bd indicates the rear regarding the remote control device, the arrow Ud indicates the upward direction regarding the remote control device, the arrow Dd indicates the downward direction regarding the remote control device, the arrow Ld indicates the left side regarding the remote control device, and the arrow Rd indicates the right side regarding the remote control device.

[0018] (Ship) FIG. 1(A) shows a ship 1 provided with a remote control device 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1(A), an outboard motor 3 is provided at the stern of the ship 1. Further, a console 4 is provided on the deck 2 of the ship 1. Note that the outboard motor 3 is a specific example of a "ship propulsion machine".

[0019] (Console) FIG. 1(B) shows a state of viewing the console 4 from above. As shown in FIG. 1(B), a steering wheel 6 is provided at the left part of the upper surface of the console 4. Further, an installation surface 5 is formed at the right part of the upper surface of the console 4. The installation surface 5 is a flat surface and is horizontal. The remote control device 11 is provided on the installation surface 5. The remote control device 11 is installed on the horizontal installation surface 5 such that its rear surface faces the front of the ship 1.

[0020] (Remote control device) FIG. 2 shows the remote control device 11 as viewed from the upper left front. FIG. 3(A) shows the remote control device 11 as viewed from the front. FIG. 3(B) shows the remote control device 11 as viewed from above. FIG. 4 shows the remote control device 11 as viewed from the left. FIG. 5(A) shows the remote control device 11 as viewed from the right. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the remote control device 11.

[0021] The remote control device 11 is a device for remotely operating the outboard motor 3. In addition to the function of remotely operating the outboard motor 3, the remote control device 11 has a function of displaying various information regarding the outboard motor 3 and the ship 1 and the like.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the remote control device 11 includes a remote control device main body 12, a display unit 22, and a support arm 41. The remote control device main body 12 and the display unit 22 are separate and independent units respectively. The display unit 22 is provided outside the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12. The remote control device main body 12 and the display unit 22 are coupled by a support arm 41. Note that the support arm 41 is a specific example of a "support mechanism".

[0023] (Remote control device main body) The remote control device main body 12 has a main body case 13, a lever shaft support portion 14, an arm shaft support portion 15, and a remote control lever 17.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3(B), 4, and 5(A), the main body case 13 is formed in a box shape having a front surface 13A, a rear surface, an upper surface 13B, a lower surface, a left surface 13C, and a right surface 13D. The upper surface 13B of the main body case 13 is curved so as to draw an arc centered on the rotation axis X1 of the remote control lever 17 and the rotation axis X2 of the support arm 41.

[0025] Further, the remote control device 11 is installed on the installation surface 5. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3(A), 4, and 5(A), the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12 is installed on the installation surface 5. Specifically, the main body case 13 is placed on the installation surface 5, attached to the installation surface 5, and fixed thereto. When the main body case 13 is placed on the installation surface 5, the lower surface of the main body case 13 faces (e.g., contacts) the installation surface 5.

[0026] In addition, a lever shaft support portion 14 for supporting the remote control lever 17 is attached to the left end portion of the main body case 13. Further, an arm shaft support portion 15 for supporting the support arm 41 is attached to the right end portion of the main body case 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the lever shaft support portion 14 and the arm shaft support portion 15 are fixed to the main body case 13 using bolts 16. Also, as shown in FIG. 3(A), both the lever shaft support portion 14 and the arm shaft support portion 15 are spaced apart from the installation surface 5.

[0027] The remote control lever 17 is attached to the left end side of the main body case 13. The remote control lever 17 can rotate in the front-rear direction with respect to the main body case 13. The rotation axis X1 of the remote control lever 17 extends in the left-right direction and passes through the inside of the main body case 13. The remote control lever 17 extends in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis X1. The base end portion 17A of the remote control lever 17 is attached to the lever shaft support portion 14 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X1 with respect to the lever shaft support portion 14. Since the lever shaft support portion 14 is attached to and fixed to the left end portion of the main body case 13, the remote control lever 17 is coupled to the main body case 13 so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body case 13 about the rotation axis X1. Further, a grip portion 18 is provided at the tip end portion of the remote control lever 17. The operator can control the magnitude or direction of the propulsion force of the ship 1 generated by the outboard motor 3 by gripping the grip portion 18 and changing the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17.

[0028] Here, with reference to FIG. 4, taking as an example the case where the power source of the outboard motor 3 is an engine, and the outboard motor 3 has a clutch that switches whether to transmit the engine rotation to the propeller shaft and also switches whether to rotate the propeller shaft forward or backward by the engine rotation, the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17 and the propulsive force generated by the outboard motor 3 will be described.

[0029] When the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17 is within the neutral range Rn in FIG. 4, the clutch in the outboard motor 3 switches to a state where the engine rotation is not transmitted to the propeller shaft (neutral state). As a result, the outboard motor 3 does not generate a propulsive force for the ship 1.

[0030] When the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17 is within the forward range Rf in FIG. 4, the clutch in the outboard motor 3 switches to a state where the engine rotation is transmitted to the propeller shaft and the propeller shaft rotates forward by the engine rotation. As a result, the outboard motor 3 generates a propulsive force to move the ship 1 forward.

[0031] When the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17 is within the reverse range Rr in FIG. 4, the clutch in the outboard motor 3 switches to a state where the engine rotation is transmitted to the propeller shaft and the propeller shaft rotates backward by the engine rotation. As a result, the outboard motor 3 generates a propulsive force to move the ship 1 backward.

[0032] 3(A), a plurality of (for example, two) operation switches 19 are provided on the front of the top surface 13B of the main body case 13. For example, of the two operation switches 19, the left operation switch 19 is a neutral switch. The neutral switch is a switch that switches the clutch so that the outboard motor 3 is in neutral regardless of the tilt angle of the remote control lever 17. The right operation switch 19 is a pilot's seat selector switch. When a boat is equipped with multiple remote control devices 11, the pilot's seat selector switch is a switch that selects one of the multiple remote control devices 11 to operate the outboard motor 3.

[0033] 3(B), a lever position indicator lamp 20 is provided on the left side of the top surface 13B of the main body case 13. The lever position indicator lamp 20 is a lamp that indicates the position of the remote control lever 17, and when the remote control lever 17 is in the neutral range Rn, an "N" lamp is lit, when the remote control lever 17 is in the forward range Rf, an "F" lamp is lit, and when the remote control lever 17 is in the reverse range Rr, an "R" lamp is lit.

[0034] (display unit) The display unit 22 has a display case 23 and a display 25 .

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the display case 23 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape close to a flat plate, and has a front surface 23A and a back surface 23B as shown in FIG. 5(A). The display 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. The display 25 is provided inside the display case 23. A window 24 is provided on the front surface 23A of the display case 23, and the display 25 is arranged inside the display case 23 such that the screen 26 faces the window 24. The operator can view the screen 26 of the display 25 and visually recognize the information displayed on the screen 26 by looking at the front surface 23A of the display case 23. Further, a plurality of display operation switches 27 are provided on the right portion of the front surface 23A of the display case 23. The plurality of display operation switches 27 include, for example, a switch for switching the information displayed on the screen 26, a switch for adjusting the brightness of the screen 26, and the like.

[0036] In addition, various information regarding the outboard motor 3 and the ship 1 and the like is displayed on the screen 26 of the display 25. For example, when the power source of the outboard motor 3 is an engine, as shown in FIG. 1(B), the rotational speed 31 of the engine of the outboard motor 3, the speed 32 of the ship 1, the remaining fuel amount 33 of the engine of the outboard motor 3, the trim angle 34 of the outboard motor 3, the state (shift position) 35 of the clutch of the outboard motor 3, the temperature 36 of the engine of the outboard motor 3, the fuel consumption 37, and the time 38 are simultaneously displayed on the screen 26 of the display 25.

[0037] The display 25 is a large display with a large number of pixels. The size of the display 25 is about 3 inches to 7 inches, for example, but it is also possible to provide a display with a larger size. Since the display 25 has a large number of pixels, information can be displayed using high-definition graphics. For example, as shown in FIG. 1(B), the rotational speed 31 of the engine of the outboard motor 3 can be displayed by drawing an image of an analog meter. Also, since the display 25 has a large number of pixels, for example, as shown in FIG. 1(B), a large number of pieces of information regarding the outboard motor 3 and the ship 1 can be simultaneously displayed on one screen. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the length W2 in the left-right direction of the display case 23 is longer than the length W1 in the left-right direction of the lower surface of the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12. Since the length W2 in the left-right direction of the display case 23 is long in this way, a large display 25 with a large number of pixels can be accommodated in the display case 23.

[0038] (Support arm) The support arm 41 couples the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12 to each other and supports the display unit 22. Also, the support arm 41 supports the display unit 22 so that the display unit 22 is disposed at a position away from the remote control device main body 12. As shown in FIG. 3(A), a space S is formed between the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12, and the display unit 22 is not in contact with the remote control device main body 12.

[0039] In addition, the support arm 41 connects the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12 so that the position and orientation of the display unit 22 can be changed with respect to the remote control device main body 12. Specifically, the support arm 41 can change the orientation of the display unit 22 so that the orientation of the screen 26 of the display 25 changes from upward to forward, and at the same time move the display unit 22 from above the remote control device main body 12 to the front. Also, the support arm 41 can change the orientation of the display unit 22 so that the orientation of the screen 26 of the display 25 changes from upward to backward, and at the same time move the display unit 22 from above the remote control device main body 12 to the rear. Thus, the support arm 41 connects the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12.

[0040] More specifically, the support arm 41 can rotate in the front-rear direction with respect to the remote control device main body 12. The rotation axis X2 of the support arm 41 extends in the left-right direction and passes through the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12. The support arm 41 extends in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis X2. The proximal end portion 41A of the support arm 41 is attached to the arm shaft support portion 15 of the remote control device main body 12 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X2. By attaching and fixing the arm shaft support portion 15 to the right end portion of the main body case 13, the proximal end portion 41A of the support arm 41 is coupled to the right end portion of the main body case 13 so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body case 13 about the rotation axis X2. Also, in this embodiment, the rotation axis X2 of the support arm 41 coincides with the rotation axis X1 of the remote control lever 17. Further, the length of the support arm 41 is longer than any of the distance between the rotation axis X2 and the upper surface 13B of the main body case 13, the distance between the rotation axis X2 and the front surface 13A of the main body case 13, and the distance between the rotation axis X2 and the rear surface of the main body case 13.

[0041] 3(A) and 5(A), the tip of the support arm 41 is connected to the right end of the display case 23 of the display unit 22. In this embodiment, the tip of the support arm 41 is fixed to the right end of the display case 23, and the display unit 22 is immovable relative to the support arm 41. The support arm 41 is connected to the display case 23 so that the extension direction of the support arm 41 is perpendicular to the rear surface 23B of the display case 23.

[0042] Because the display unit 22 is connected to the remote control device main body 12 via the support arm 41 in this manner, the display unit 22 can rotate relative to the remote control device main body 12 around the rotation axis X2. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the display unit 22 can rotate within a rotation range Re. Furthermore, because the top surface 13B of the main body case 13 is curved like an arc centered on the rotation axis X2, the display unit 22 displaces along the top surface 13B. For example, the operator can grasp and rotate the display unit 22 by hand to position the display unit 22 above the remote control device main body 12, as shown in FIG. 5(C). At this time, the screen 26 of the display 25 faces upward. Alternatively, the operator can position the display unit 22 in front of the remote control device main body 12, as shown in FIG. 5(B). At this time, the screen 26 of the display 25 faces forward. Alternatively, the operator can position the display unit 22 behind the remote control device main body 12, as shown in FIG. 5(D). At this time, the screen 26 of the display 25 faces backward. It is also preferable to provide the arm pivot support 15 with a detent mechanism or setscrew that stops the rotation of the support arm 41 and holds the display unit 22.

[0043] Also, when the display unit 22 is positioned generally in front of and above the remote control device main body 12 as shown in FIG. 5(A), the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 provided on the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12 face each other. In this state, if it is difficult for the operator to operate the operation switch 19, the operator can rotate the display unit 22 to a position where the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 do not face each other, as shown in FIG. 5(C) or 5(B), etc., so that the operation switch 19 can be made easier to operate.

[0044] As described above, in the remote control device 11 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12 is installed on the installation surface 5 of the console 4. Further, the display unit 22 is provided outside the main body case 13. Also, the display unit 22 is coupled to the remote control device main body 12 by the support arm 41 and is arranged at a position away from the remote control device main body 12. According to this configuration, even when the display 25 is provided in the remote control device 11, an increase in the area of the installation surface 5 on the ship side required for installing the remote control device 11 can be suppressed.

[0045] That is, in the remote control device 11, the portion installed on the installation surface 5 is the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12. Therefore, by suppressing the enlargement of the main body case 13, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area of the installation surface 5 required for installing the remote control device 11. In the remote control device 11, the display 25 is provided in the display case 23 of the display unit 22. And the display unit 22 is provided outside the main body case 13 and is arranged at a position away from the remote control device main body 12. Therefore, compared with the case where the display 25 is provided in the main body case 13, the main body case 13 can be made smaller. Therefore, according to the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, even when the display 25 is provided in the remote control device 11, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area of the installation surface 5 on the ship side required for installing the remote control device 11.

[0046] Also, in the configuration of the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, when the size of the display 25 is increased, although the display unit 22 becomes larger, the main body case 13 does not become larger. Therefore, according to the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, even when the display 25 provided in the remote control device 11 is a large display with a large number of pixels, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area of the installation surface 5 on the ship side required for installing the remote control device 11.

[0047] In the remote control device 11 of this embodiment, the support arm 41 connects the display unit 22 to the remote control device main body 12 so that the display unit 22 can be moved forward from above the remote control device main body 12 and so that the display unit 22 can be moved rearward from above the remote control device main body 12. This configuration allows the boat operator to change the position of the display unit 22 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easily viewable. For example, the boat operator can change the position of the display unit 22 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easily viewable depending on the inclination angle of the installation surface on which the remote control device 11 is installed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(A), when the installation surface 5 on which the remote control device 11 is installed is horizontal, the boat operator can position the display unit 22 above or in front of the remote control device main body 12 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easily viewable. Also, as shown in Figure 7, if the installation surface 45 on which the remote control device 11 is installed is inclined, the operator can position the display unit 22 above and behind the remote control device main body 12 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easier to see.

[0048] Furthermore, in the remote control device 11 of this embodiment, the rotation range Re of the support arm 41 is set so that the display unit 22 can be moved from a position where the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 face each other to a position where the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 do not face each other. With this configuration, if the display unit 22 is located at a position where the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 face each other and it is therefore difficult for the operator to operate the operation switch 19, the operator can change the position of the display unit 22 to a position where the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 do not face each other, thereby making it easier to operate the operation switch 19.

[0049] Also, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the support arm 41 couples the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12 so that the orientation of the display unit 22 can be changed from upward to forward and also from upward to backward. With this configuration, the operator can change the orientation of the display unit 22 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easier to view. For example, external light such as sunlight is reflected on the screen 26 of the display 25 and enters the operator's eyes, so that the information displayed on the screen 26 of the display 25 may be difficult to see. In such a case, the operator can change the orientation of the display unit 22 so that the external light reflected on the screen 26 of the display 25 does not enter the eyes, making the information displayed on the screen 26 of the display 25 easier to see.

[0050] Also, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the length W2 in the left-right direction of the display case 23 is longer than the length W1 in the left-right direction of the lower surface of the main body case 13 facing the installation surface 5. By increasing the length W2 in the left-right direction of the display case 23, a large display 25 with a large number of pixels can be accommodated in the display case 23. Also, by reducing the length W1 in the left-right direction of the lower surface of the main body case 13 facing the installation surface 5, the area of the installation surface 5 required for installing the remote control device 11 can be reduced. According to the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the area of the installation surface 5 required for installing the remote control device 11 while providing a large display 25 with a large number of pixels.

[0051] Further, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the upper surface 13B of the main body case 13 is curved so as to draw an arc centered on the rotation axis X2 of the support arm 41. As a result, compared with the case where the upper surface 13B of the main body case 13 is a flat surface parallel to the lower surface of the main body case 13, while avoiding the display unit 22 hitting the main body case 13 during rotation, the angular range of rotation of the display unit 22 can be increased, and the rotation radius of the display unit 22 can be decreased.

[0052] Further, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the rotation axis X1 of the remote control lever 17 and the rotation axis X2 of the support arm 41 coincide with each other. Thereby, the design property of the remote control device 11 can be enhanced. Specifically, the rotation orbit of the remote control lever 17 and the rotation orbit of the display unit 22 become similar to each other, and a sense of unity appears in the movement of the remote control lever 17 and the movement of the display unit 22, enhancing the aesthetic feeling.

[0053] Further, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the support arm 41 is attached to the right end portion of the main body case 13, and the remote control lever 17 is attached to the left end portion of the main body case 13. In this way, by providing the support arm 41 for supporting the display unit 22 at one end portion in the left - right direction of the main body case 13 and providing the remote control lever 17 at the end portion on the opposite side in the left - right direction of the main body case 13, the display unit 22 can be arranged at a position sufficiently separated from the remote control lever 17. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display unit 22 from interfering with the operation of the remote control lever 17.

[0054] Furthermore, in the remote control device 11 of this embodiment, the base end 41A of the support arm 41 is connected to the right end of the main body case 13, the tip end of the support arm 41 is connected to the right end of the display case 23, and the display unit 22 is positioned opposite the main body case 13. This prevents the display unit 22 from protruding too far to the right from the remote control device main body 12. This allows the overall dimension of the remote control device 11 in the left-right direction to be reduced, resulting in a compact remote control device. [Example]

[0055] A second embodiment of the remote control device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the second embodiment, the determination of directions for the ship and the remote control device is the same as those in the first embodiment. In the remote control device of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the remote control device of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified. The main difference between the remote control device of the second embodiment and the remote control device of the first embodiment is that the support arm has multiple pivot points.

[0056] Fig. 8 shows a remote control device 51 according to a second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front, and Fig. 9(A) shows the remote control device 51 as seen from the right.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 8, the support arm 60 of the remote control device 51 couples the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12 to each other and supports the display unit 22. Further, the support arm 60 supports the display unit 22 such that the display unit 22 is disposed at a position away from the remote control device main body 12. Further, the support arm 60 couples the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12 so that the position and orientation of the display unit 22 can be changed with respect to the remote control device main body 12.

[0058] The support arm 60 has a first arm piece 61 that forms the proximal end side portion of the support arm 60 and a second arm piece 62 that forms the distal end side portion of the support arm 60.

[0059] The first arm piece 61 can rotate in the front-rear direction with respect to the remote control device main body 12. The rotation axis X3 of the first arm piece 61 extends in the left-right direction and passes through the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12. The first arm piece 61 extends in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis X3. The proximal end portion 61A of the first arm piece 61 is attached to the arm shaft support portion 15 of the remote control device main body 12 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X3. By attaching and fixing the arm shaft support portion 15 to the right end portion of the main body case 13, the proximal end portion 61A of the first arm piece 61 is coupled to the right end portion of the main body case 13 so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body case 13 about the rotation axis X3. Note that the proximal end portion 61A of the first arm piece 61 corresponds to the proximal end portion of the support arm 60.

[0060] Further, in the present embodiment, the rotation axis X3 of the first arm piece 61 coincides with the rotation axis X1 of the remote control lever 17. Further, the length of the first arm piece 61 is longer than any of the distance between the rotation axis X3 and the upper surface 13B of the main body case 13, the distance between the rotation axis X3 and the front surface 13A of the main body case 13, and the distance between the rotation axis X3 and the rear surface of the main body case 13.

[0061] The base end portion of the second arm piece 62 is rotatably coupled to the tip end portion of the first arm piece 61. The second arm piece 62 can rotate with respect to the first arm piece 61 about the rotation axis X4. The rotation axis X4 of the second arm piece 62 extends in the left - right direction. The second arm piece 62 extends in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis X4.

[0062] The tip end portion of the second arm piece 62 is rotatably coupled to the display unit 22. The display unit 22 can rotate with respect to the second arm piece 62 about the rotation axis X5. The rotation axis X5 of the display unit 22 extends in the left - right direction. Also, the tip end portion of the second arm piece 62 is coupled to the central portion of the back surface 23B of the display case 23 of the display unit 22. In this embodiment, a bracket 63 is provided at the central portion of the back surface 23B of the display case 23 of the display unit 22, and the tip end portion of the second arm piece 62 is rotatably attached to the bracket 63. Note that the tip end portion of the second arm piece 62 corresponds to the tip end portion of the support arm 60.

[0063] Also, the display unit 22 is coupled to the tip end portion of the second arm piece 62 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis X6 that extends in a direction orthogonal to the screen 26 of the display 25. As shown in FIG. 9(A), a rotation mechanism 64 for supporting the display unit 22 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X6 is provided on the bracket 63 provided at the central portion of the back surface 23B of the display case 23 of the display unit 22 in this embodiment.

[0064] The display unit 22 can rotate with respect to the remote control device main body 12 about the rotation axis X3, can rotate with respect to the remote control device main body 12 about the rotation axis X4, can rotate with respect to the remote control device main body 12 about the rotation axis X5, and can rotate with respect to the remote control device main body 12 about the rotation axis X6.

[0065] The remote control device 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration exhibits substantially the same operational effects as the remote control device 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Further, in the remote control device 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, since the display unit 22 is coupled to the tip of the support arm 60 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X5, the degree of freedom in setting the orientation of the display unit 22 can be increased. Furthermore, since the support arm 60 has a first arm piece 61 and a second arm piece 62, and the second arm piece 62 is coupled to the first arm piece 61 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X4, the degree of freedom in setting the position and orientation of the display unit 22 can be increased. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(B), while setting the position of the display unit 22 in front of the remote control device main body 12, the orientation of the display unit 22 can be set upward. Also, as shown in FIG. 9(C), while setting the position of the display unit 22 behind the remote control device main body 12, the orientation of the display unit 22 can be set substantially forward.

[0066] Furthermore, since the display unit 22 is coupled to the tip of the support arm 60 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X6, the degree of freedom in setting the orientation of the display unit 22 can be increased. For example, the orientation of the screen 26 of the display 25 can be changed from horizontal to vertical.

[0067] In each of the above embodiments, the remote control lever 17 is disposed on the left side of the main body case 13 and the support arm 41(60) is disposed on the right side of the main body case 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the remote control lever 17 may be disposed on the right side of the main body case 13 and the support arm 41(60) may be disposed on the left side of the main body case 13.

[0068] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the base end portion 41A (61A) of the support arm 41 (60) is coupled to the right end portion of the main body case 13 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as in the remote control device 71 shown in FIG. 10(A), the base end portion of the support arm 72 may be coupled to a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the main body case 13.

[0069] In addition, in the remote control device 11 of the first embodiment, the display unit 22 may be coupled to the tip end portion of the support arm 41 so that the display unit 22 can rotate with respect to the support arm 41 about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. Further, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment, the display unit 22 may be fixed to the tip end portion of the second arm piece 62 so that the display unit 22 is immovable with respect to the second arm piece 62. Further, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment, the first arm piece 61 may be fixed to the main body case 13 so that the first arm piece 61 is immovable with respect to the main body case 13. Further, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment, the support arm 60 may be formed of a single rod-shaped member without being divided into the first arm piece 61 and the second arm piece 62. Further, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment, although the display unit 22 is rotatable about the rotation axis X6, the display unit 22 may be configured not to rotate about the rotation axis X6.

[0070] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the position and orientation of the display unit 22 can be changed with respect to the remote control device main body 12 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as in the remote control device 81 shown in FIG. 10(B), the display unit 22 may be disposed at a fixed position away from the remote control device main body 12, and the display unit 22 may be coupled to the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12 via a support arm 82 so that the display unit 22 is immovable with respect to the remote control device main body 12.

[0071] In addition, the marine propulsion unit remotely controlled by the remote control device 11 is not limited to an outboard motor, and may be other types of marine propulsion units such as inboard and outboard motors. Also, the power source of the marine propulsion unit may be an engine (internal combustion engine) or a motor (electric motor).

[0072] In addition, the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope not contrary to the gist or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a remote control device with such modifications is also included in the technical idea of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0073] 1 Ship 3 Outboard motor (marine propulsion unit) 4 Console 5, 45 Installation surface 11, 51, 71, 81 Remote control device 12 Remote control device main body 13 Main body case 17 Remote control lever 22 Display unit 23 Display case 25 Display 26 Screen 41, 60, 72, 82 Support arm (support mechanism)

Claims

1. A remote control device for remotely operating a marine propulsion machine provided on a ship, comprising: a remote control device main body having a main body case installed on an installation surface provided on the ship, and a remote control lever attached to the main body case; a display unit having a display case and a display provided in the display case, the display unit being provided outside the main body case; a support mechanism that couples the display unit and the remote control device main body to each other and supports the display unit so that the display unit is disposed at a position away from the remote control device main body. The remote control device is characterized by this.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the support mechanism couples the display unit and the remote control device main body so that the display unit can be moved relative to the remote control device main body.

3. When the direction perpendicular to the installation surface is defined as the vertical direction and one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the front-rear direction, the support mechanism allows the display unit to move from above the remote control device main body to the front, or allows the display unit to move from above the remote control device main body to the rear. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit and the remote control device main body are coupled to each other.

4. When the direction perpendicular to the installation surface is defined as the vertical direction, one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the front-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction, the length of the display case in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the lower surface of the main body case facing the installation surface in the left-right direction. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

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