Remote control device

Abstract

To prevent a situation in which a user has difficulty in viewing information displayed on a screen of a display provided at a remote control device due to conditions of external light, an inclination angle of the installation surface, or a form of maneuvering of a ship etc.SOLUTION: A remote control device 11 includes: a remote control device main body 12 including a main body case 13 and a remote control lever 17; a display unit 22 including a display case 23 and a display 25; 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. The support arm 41 couples the display unit 22 to the remote control device body 12 so that the display unit 22 is rotated around a rotation axis X2 extending in a lateral direction relative to the remote control device 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 device.

Background Art

[0002] A remote control device for remotely operating a marine propulsion device 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 device by operating the remote control lever to tilt it.

[0003] Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-176618 (Patent Document 1) describes a remote control device in which a display is incorporated in a housing so that various information regarding a marine propulsion device 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] In the remote control device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-176618, the display is fixed inside the housing of the remote control device and is immovable with respect to the housing. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 of the same publication, when the remote control device is installed on a horizontal installation surface, the upper surface of the housing is inclined so as to slightly descend toward the front as viewed from the ship operator who operates the remote control device, and the display is arranged such that its screen is parallel to the upper surface of the housing. That is, the angle of the screen of the display of the remote control device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-176618 is fixed at an angle that slightly descends toward the front as viewed from the ship operator when the remote control device is installed on a horizontal installation surface.

[0006] This angle of the display screen is generally considered to be an easy-to-see angle for the ship operator. However, depending on the time and place, for example, external light such as sunlight is reflected on the display screen and enters the eyes of the ship operator. Therefore, the information displayed on the display screen may be difficult to see.

[0007] Also, there is a console in which the installation surface is inclined so as to descend toward the front as viewed from the ship operator. When the remote control device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-176618 is installed on such an inclined installation surface, the angle of the display screen becomes an angle close to vertical, and as a result, the information displayed on the display screen becomes difficult to see.

[0008] In addition, the ship operation modes of the ship operator include a mode in which the ship operator stands in front of the console and operates the ship, and a mode in which the ship operator sits on a chair provided in front of the console and operates the ship. The height position of the eyes of the ship operator changes depending on the ship operation mode. When the angle of the display screen of the remote control device is fixed, depending on the ship operation mode, the information displayed on the display screen may be difficult to see.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems such as those described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device that can prevent information displayed on a display screen from becoming difficult to see due to factors such as the amount of light from outside, the angle of inclination of the installation surface, or the manner of maneuvering the ship. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a remote control device for remotely operating a marine propulsion unit installed on a marine vessel, comprising: a remote control device main body having a main body case installed on an installation surface installed on the marine vessel and a remote control lever attached to the main body case; a display case and a display unit having a display installed inside the display case and installed outside the main body case; and a support mechanism that connects the display unit and the remote control device main body to each other and supports the display unit, wherein if a direction perpendicular to the installation surface is defined as the up-down direction, one direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is defined as the front-to-back direction, and a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction is defined as the left-to-right direction, the support mechanism connects the display unit and the remote control device main body so that the display unit can be rotated relative to the remote control device main body around a rotation axis extending in the left-to-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent information displayed on the screen of a display provided on a remote control device from becoming difficult to see due to factors such as the amount of light from outside, the angle of inclination of the installation surface, or the manner of maneuvering the ship. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The remote control device according to an 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.

[0014] 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 the ship.

[0015] The display unit has a display case and a display provided inside the display case, and is provided outside the main body case of the remote control device main body.

[0016] The support mechanism connects the display unit and the remote control device body to each other and supports the display unit.

[0017] If the direction perpendicular to the installation surface is defined as the up-down direction, one direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction is defined as the left-to-right direction, the support mechanism of the remote control device of this embodiment connects the display unit and the remote control device main body so that the display unit can be rotated relative to the remote control device main body around a rotation axis extending in the left-to-right direction.

[0018] According to the remote control device of the present embodiment, for example, when external light such as sunlight is reflected on the screen of the display and enters the eyes of the operator, and thus the information displayed on the screen of the display is difficult to see, the angle of the screen of the display can be changed by rotating the display unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the external light reflected on the screen of the display from entering the eyes of the operator, and it is possible to make the information displayed on the screen of the display easier to see. Further, when the information displayed on the screen of the display is difficult to see due to the inclination angle of the installation surface on which the remote control device is installed, the angle of the screen of the display can be changed by rotating the display unit, so that the information displayed on the screen of the display can be made easier to see. Further, even when the information displayed on the screen of the display is difficult to see depending on the mode of ship operation, the angle of the screen of the display can be changed by rotating the display unit, so that the information displayed on the screen of the display can be made easier to see.

Example

[0019] A first embodiment of the remote control device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0020] In the first embodiment, directions relative to the ship are based on a person standing in the center of the ship's deck facing the bow of the ship. Specifically, what is in front of that person, i.e., the direction of the bow, is considered to be the front of the ship, what is up for that person is considered to be the up of the ship, and what is right for that person is considered to be the right of the ship. The white arrow A in Figures 1 to 5 and 7 indicates the forward direction relative to the ship. Directions relative to the remote control device are determined separately from directions relative to the ship. Directions relative to the remote control device are determined based on the installation surface on which the remote control device is installed. Specifically, the direction perpendicular to the installation surface is considered the up-down direction, one direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is considered the front-to-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction is considered the left-to-right direction. In Figures 1 to 5 and 7, arrow Fd indicates the front of the remote control device, arrow Bd indicates the rear of the remote control device, arrow Ud indicates the up of the remote control device, arrow Dd indicates the down of the remote control device, arrow Ld indicates the left of the remote control device, and arrow Rd indicates the right of the remote control device.

[0021] (ship) Fig. 1(A) shows a boat 1 provided with a remote control device 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1(A), an outboard motor 3 is provided at the stern of the boat 1. A console 4 is also provided on a deck 2 of the boat 1. The outboard motor 3 is a specific example of a "boat propulsion unit."

[0022] (console) FIG. 1(B) shows the console 4 as viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 1(B), a steering wheel 6 is provided on the left side of the top surface of the console 4. An installation surface 5 is formed on the right side of the top surface of the console 4. The installation surface 5 is flat and horizontal. A remote control device 11 is provided on the installation surface 5. The remote control device 11 is installed on the horizontal installation surface 5 with its rear surface facing the front of the boat 1.

[0023] (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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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. 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".

[0026] (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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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. 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.

[0029] 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. Also, 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. The lever shaft support portion 14 and the arm shaft support portion 15 are fixed to the main body case 13 using bolts 16 as shown in FIG. 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 3(A), both the lever shaft support portion 14 and the arm shaft support portion 15 are separated from the installation surface 5.

[0030] 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. Also, 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 grasping the grip portion 18 and changing the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17.

[0031] 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.

[0032] When the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17 is within the neutral range Rn in FIG. 4, in the outboard motor 3, the clutch 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.

[0033] When the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17 is within the forward range Rf in FIG. 4, in the outboard motor 3, the clutch 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.

[0034] When the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17 is within the reverse range Rr in FIG. 4, in the outboard motor 3, the clutch 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.

[0035] Also, as shown in Fig. 3(A), a plurality (e.g., two) of operation switches 19 are provided at the front part of the upper surface 13B of the main body case 13. For example, among 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 a neutral state regardless of the tilt angle of the remote control lever 17. Also, the right operation switch 19 is a steering position switching switch. The steering position switching switch is a switch for selecting the remote control device 11 for operating the outboard motor 3 from among a plurality of remote control devices 11 provided on the ship when a plurality of remote control devices 11 are provided on the ship.

[0036] Also, as shown in Fig. 3(B), a lever position display lamp 20 is provided at the left part of the upper surface 13B of the main body case 13. The lever position display lamp 20 is a lamp that indicates the position of the remote control lever 17. When the remote control lever 17 is in the neutral range Rn, the "N" lamp lights up. When the remote control lever 17 is in the forward range Rf, the "F" lamp lights up. When the remote control lever 17 is in the reverse range Rr, the "R" lamp lights up.

[0037] (Display Unit) The display unit 22 has a display case 23 and a display 25.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the display case 23 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is nearly flat, 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 disposed inside the display case 23 so that the screen 26 faces the window 24. By looking at the front surface 23A of the display case 23, the operator can see the screen 26 of the display 25 and visually confirm the information displayed on the screen 26. In addition, a plurality of display operation switches 27 are provided on the right side 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 and a switch for adjusting the brightness of the screen 26.

[0039] Furthermore, various information relating to the outboard motor 3, boat 1, etc. is displayed on the screen 26 of the display 25. For example, if the power source of the outboard motor 3 is an engine, as shown in Fig. 1(B), the screen 26 of the display 25 simultaneously displays the engine speed 31 of the outboard motor 3, the speed 32 of the boat 1, the remaining amount of fuel 33 in the engine of the outboard motor 3, the trim angle 34 of the outboard motor 3, the clutch status (shift position) 35 of the outboard motor 3, the engine temperature 36 of the outboard motor 3, fuel consumption 37, and the time 38.

[0040] 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. Further, 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.

[0041] (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. Further, the support arm 41 supports the display unit 22 so that the display unit 22 is disposed at a position separated 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 does not contact the remote control device main body 12.

[0042] In addition, the support arm 41 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. 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 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 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.

[0043] 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 base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 is attached to the arm axis 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 axis support portion 15 to the right end portion of the main body case 13, the base 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 the present embodiment, the rotation axis X2 of the support arm 41 coincides with the rotation axis X1 of the remote control lever 17. Also, 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 in place.

[0046] Further, when the display unit 22 is located 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.

[0047] 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, and the display unit 22 is provided outside the main body case 13. Further, the display unit 22 is coupled to the remote control device main body 12 via the support arm 41 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X2 with respect to the remote control device main body 12. According to the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, for example, when external light such as sunlight is reflected on the screen 26 of the display 25 and enters the operator's eyes, and thus the information displayed on the screen 26 is difficult to see, the angle of the screen 26 of the display 25 can be changed by rotating the display unit 22. Thereby, the external light reflected on the screen 26 of the display 25 can be prevented from entering the operator's eyes, and the information displayed on the screen 26 can be made easier to see.

[0048] Further, the remote control device 11 may be installed on a horizontal installation surface 5 as shown in FIG. 5(A), or may be installed on an inclined installation surface 45 as shown in FIG. 7. When the information displayed on the screen 26 of the display 25 is difficult to see due to the inclination angle of the installation surface on which the remote control device 11 is installed, the angle of the screen 26 of the display 25 can be changed by rotating the display unit 22 so that the information displayed on the screen 26 can be made easier to see.

[0049] In addition, the manner of the operator's ship operation includes a manner of operating the ship while standing in front of the console 4 and a manner of operating the ship while sitting on a chair provided in front of the console 4. Depending on the manner of ship operation, the information displayed on the screen 26 of the display 25 of the remote control device 11 may be difficult to see. When the information displayed on the screen 26 is difficult to see depending on the manner of ship operation, the display unit 22 can be rotated to change the angle of the screen 26 of the display 25 so that the information displayed on the screen 26 becomes easier to see.

[0050] In addition, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 is coupled to the remote control device main body 12 so as to be rotatable with respect to the remote control device main body 12 about the rotation axis X2, and the tip end portion of the support arm 41 is coupled to the display case 23 and is fixed to the display case 23. With this configuration, the display unit 22 can move from above the remote control device main body 12 to the front while changing the orientation of the screen 26 of the display 25 from upward to forward, and can also move from above the remote control device main body 12 to the rear while changing the orientation of the screen 26 of the display 25 from upward to backward. Thereby, the operator can change the orientation and position of the display unit 22 so that the information displayed on the screen 26 becomes easier to see.

[0051] In addition, 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. Thereby, 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, the rotation angle range of the display unit 22 can be increased while avoiding the display unit 22 hitting the main body case 13 during rotation, and the rotation radius of the display unit 22 can be reduced.

[0052] Also, in the remote control device 11 of this 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] Also, in the remote control device 11 of this embodiment, the rotation range Re of the support arm 41 is set such that the display unit 22 can move from the position where the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 face each other to the position where the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 do not face each other. With this configuration, when the display unit 22 is in the position where the back surface 23B of the display case 23 and the operation switch 19 face each other and thus it is difficult for the operator to operate the operation switch 19, the operator can change the position of the display unit 22 to the 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.

[0054] Also, in the remote control device 11 of this embodiment, the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12 is installed on the installation surface 5, and the display unit 22 is provided outside the main body case 13. According to this configuration, even when a 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. 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 an increase in the size of the main body case 13, an increase in the area of the installation surface 5 required for installing the remote control device 11 can be suppressed. Also, in the remote control device 11, since the display unit 22 having the display 25 is provided outside the main body case 13, the main body case 13 can be made smaller compared to the case where the display 25 is provided inside the main body case 13. Therefore, according to the remote control device 11 of this embodiment, even when a 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. Further, according to the configuration of the remote control device 11 of this 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, even when the display 25 provided in the remote control device 11 is a large display with a large number of pixels, 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.

[0055] Further, 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 - sized display 25 with a large number of pixels can be accommodated in the display case 23. Also, by shortening 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 - sized display 25 with a large number of pixels.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Further, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 is coupled to the right end portion of the main body case 13, the tip end portion of the support arm 41 is coupled to the right end portion of the display case 23, and the display unit 22 is arranged at a position facing the main body case 13. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the display unit 22 from protruding greatly to the right from the remote control device main body 12. Therefore, the left - right dimension of the entire remote control device 11 can be reduced, and a compact remote control device can be realized.

Embodiment

[0058] Using FIGS. 8 to 9, a second embodiment of the remote control device of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the determination of the direction for the ship and the determination of the direction for the remote control device are the same as those in the first embodiment. Further, in the remote control device of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the remote control device of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. In the remote control device of the second embodiment, the main difference from the remote control device of the first embodiment is that a plurality of pivot points are provided on the support arm.

[0059] FIG. 8 shows a state of the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. FIG. 9(A) shows a state of the remote control device 51 as viewed from the right.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, the support arm 60 of the remote control device 51 connects 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 so that the display unit 22 is disposed at a position away from the remote control device main body 12. Further, the support arm 60 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.

[0061] The support arm 60 has a first arm piece 61 forming the base end side portion of the support arm 60 and a second arm piece 62 forming the tip end side portion of the support arm 60.

[0062] 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 inside of 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 base 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 base 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 base end portion 61A of the first arm piece 61 corresponds to the base end portion of the support arm 60.

[0063] Also, in this embodiment, the rotation axis X3 of the first arm piece 61 coincides with the rotation axis X1 of the remote control lever 17. Also, 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The distal end 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. Further, the distal end 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. A bracket 63 is provided at the central portion of the back surface 23B of the display case 23 of the display unit 22 in the present embodiment, and the distal end of the second arm piece 62 is rotatably attached to the bracket 63. Note that the distal end of the second arm piece 62 corresponds to the distal end of the support arm 60.

[0066] Further, the display unit 22 is coupled to the distal end of the second arm piece 62 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis X6 extending 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 the present embodiment.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The remote control device 51 of the second embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration exhibits substantially the same operational effects as the remote control device 11 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Further, in the remote control device 51 of 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, the support arm 60 has a first arm piece 61 and a second arm piece 62, and since 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In each of the above embodiments, the remote control lever 17 is arranged on the left side of the main body case 13 and the support arm 41(60) is arranged 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 arranged on the right side of the main body case 13 and the support arm 41(60) may be arranged on the left side of the main body case 13.

[0071] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the base end 41A (61A) of the support arm 41 (60) is connected to the right end of the main body case 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a remote control device 71 shown in Figure 10(A), the base end of the support arm 72 may be connected to approximately the center in the left-right direction of the main body case 13.

[0072] In addition, in the remote control device 11 of the first embodiment described above, the display unit 22 may be connected to the tip of the support arm 41 so that the display unit 22 is rotatable relative to the tip of the support arm 41 around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0073] Furthermore, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment described above, the base end 61A of the first arm piece 61 is connected to the main body case 13 so that the first arm piece 61 is rotatable relative to the main body case 13, and the base end of the second arm piece 62 is connected to the tip end of the first arm piece 61 so that the second arm piece 62 is rotatable relative to the first arm piece 61, but the display unit 22 may also be connected to the tip end of the second arm piece 62 so that the display unit 22 is immovable relative to the second arm piece 62.

[0074] Furthermore, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment described above, the base end of the second arm piece 62 is connected to the tip end of the first arm piece 61 so that the second arm piece 62 is rotatable relative to the first arm piece 61, and the display unit 22 is connected to the tip end of the second arm piece 62 so that the display unit 22 is rotatable relative to the second arm piece 62, but the base end 61A of the first arm piece 61 may also be connected to the main body case 13 so that the first arm piece 61 is immobile relative to the main body case 13.

[0075] Also, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment, the base end portion of the second arm piece 62 is coupled to the tip end portion of the first arm piece 61 so that the second arm piece 62 can rotate with respect to the first arm piece 61. However, the base end portion 61A of the first arm piece 61 is coupled to the main body case 13 so that the first arm piece 61 is immovable with respect to the main body case 13, and the display unit 22 may be coupled 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.

[0076] Also, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment, the support arm 60 may be formed by a single rod-shaped member without being divided into the first arm piece 61 and the second arm piece 62. The base end portion of the support arm 60 is coupled to the main body case 13 so that the support arm 60 is immovable with respect to the main body case 13, and the display unit 22 is coupled to the tip end portion of the support arm 60 so that the display unit 22 can rotate with respect to the support arm 60.

[0077] Also, in the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment, although the display unit 22 can rotate about the rotation axis X6, the display unit 22 may be prevented from rotating about the rotation axis X6.

[0078] Also, the support arm 60 may be configured such that three or more arm pieces are rotatably connected in a row to increase the number of rotation points of the support arm 60. Further, the support arm 60 may be formed by a flexible arm.

[0079] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the display unit 22 is supported by the support arm 41(60) so as to be disposed at a position away from 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 91 shown in FIG. 10(B), the display unit 95 having the display case 96 and the display 97 may be in contact with the remote control device main body 92 having the main body case 93 and the remote control lever 94. In the remote control device 91, as shown in FIG. 10(C), the display unit 95 is coupled to the main body case 93 so as to be rotatable with respect to the remote control device main body 92 about the rotation axis X7 extending in the left-right direction.

[0080] 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. Further, the power source of the marine propulsion unit may be an engine (internal combustion engine) or a motor (electric motor).

[0081] Further, the present invention can be appropriately modified within a range 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

[0082] 1 Ship 3 Outboard motor (marine propulsion unit) 4 Console 5, 45 Installation surface 11, 51, 71, 91 Remote control device 12, 92 Remote control device main body 13, 93 Main body case 13A Upper surface 17, 94 Remote control lever 22, 95 Display unit 23, 96 Display case 25, 97 Display 26 screens 41, 60, 72 support arms (support mechanisms) 61 First arm piece 62 Second arm piece X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 Rotation axes

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; wherein, when the direction orthogonal to the installation surface is defined as the vertical direction, one direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is defined as the front-rear direction, and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction, the support mechanism couples the display unit and the remote control device main body so that the display unit can be rotated with respect to the remote control device main body about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The remote control device is characterized by this.

2. The support mechanism is a support arm extending in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. A base end portion of the support arm is coupled to the main body case so that the support arm can rotate with respect to the remote control device main body about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and a tip end portion of the support arm is coupled to the display case. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The support mechanism is a support arm extending in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. A base end portion of the support arm is coupled to the main body case, and a tip end portion of the support arm is coupled to the display case so that the display unit can rotate with respect to the support arm about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. The support mechanism is a support arm extending in a direction intersecting the left - right direction. The base end portion of the support arm is coupled to the main body case such that the support arm is rotatable with respect to the remote control device main body about a rotation axis extending in the left - right direction. The tip end portion of the support arm is coupled to the display case such that the display unit is rotatable with respect to the support arm about a rotation axis extending in the left - right direction. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The support mechanism is a support arm extending in a direction intersecting the left - right direction. The support arm has a first arm piece forming the base end side portion of the support arm and a second arm piece forming the tip end side portion of the support arm. The base end portion of the second arm piece is coupled to the tip end portion of the first arm piece such that the second arm piece is rotatable with respect to the first arm piece about a rotation axis extending in the left - right direction. The base end portion of the first arm piece is coupled to the main body case, and the tip end portion of the second arm piece is coupled to the display case. The remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The support arm has a first arm piece forming the base end side portion of the support arm and a second arm piece forming the tip end side portion of the support arm. The base end portion of the second arm piece is coupled to the tip end portion of the first arm piece such that the second arm piece is rotatable with respect to the first arm piece about a rotation axis extending in the left - right direction. The remote control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that.

7. The upper surface of the main body case is curved so as to draw an arc centered on a rotation axis about which the base end portion of the support arm rotates with respect to the remote control device main body. The remote control device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that.

8. The rotation axis about which the base end portion of the support arm rotates with respect to the remote control device main body coincides with the rotation axis of the remote control lever. The remote control device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that.

9. The remote control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the display unit is coupled to a tip end portion of the support arm so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a direction orthogonal to a screen of the display.

Images