Remote control device

Abstract

To allow an operation part and a large-sized display to be provided in a remote control device and inhibit expansion of an installation surface at the ship side which is needed for installation of the remote control device.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 such that the display unit 22 is disposed at a position separated from the remote control device main body 12. The support arm 41 extends in a direction intersecting with a lateral direction and a base end part 41A of the support arm 41 is coupled to a right end of the body case 13. A tip of the support arm 41 is coupled to the display case 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-176618 (Patent Document 1) describes a remote control device that incorporates a display within the housing and is capable of displaying various information related to a marine propulsion unit or a marine vessel on the display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-176618 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By displaying information on a display using graphics, such as drawing an image of a meter on the display and using that image to indicate speed, RPM, etc., the visibility and design of the information display can be improved. Furthermore, by displaying a large amount of information simultaneously on the display in an easy-to-read manner, convenience can be improved. To achieve this, it is desirable to provide a remote control device with a large display with a large number of pixels.

[0006] However, when a large display is provided in the remote control device, a wide range of the outer surface of the housing of the remote control device is occupied by the screen of the display, resulting in a shortage of areas for providing operation switches and the like on the outer surface of the housing.

[0007] In this regard, by enlarging the housing of the remote control device and increasing the area of the outer surface of the housing, it becomes possible to provide a large display and operation switches and the like on the outer surface of the housing. However, when the housing of the remote control device is enlarged, the area of the installation surface on the ship side (for example, the installation surface of the console) required for installing the remote control device is increased. As a result, it becomes difficult to install the remote control device on ships such as small ships and ships equipped with small consoles, which have difficulty securing an installation surface with a large area.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of problems such as those described above. An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device capable of providing an operation unit such as an operation switch and a large display in the remote control device, and suppressing an increase in the installation surface on the ship side required for installing the remote control device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a remote control device for remotely operating a marine propulsion machine provided on a ship, the remote control device including 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, and a display unit provided outside the main body case. The display unit and the remote control device main body are coupled to each other, and a support arm that supports the display unit is provided so that the display unit is disposed at a position away from the remote control device main body. 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 arm extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, a base end portion of the support arm is coupled to an end portion on one side in the left-right direction of the main body case, and a tip end portion of the support arm is coupled to the display case.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, an operation unit such as an operation switch and a large display can be provided in the remote control device, and an increase in the installation surface on the ship side required for installing the remote control device can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] 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 arm.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The support arm couples the display unit and the remote control device main body to each other, and supports the display unit such that the display unit is disposed at a position separated from the remote control device main body. Also, assuming that the direction orthogonal to the installation surface is the vertical direction, one direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is the front-rear direction, and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction is the left-right direction, the support arm extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, the base end portion of the support arm is coupled to an end portion on one side in the left-right direction of the main body case, and the tip end portion of the support arm is coupled to the display case.

[0016] When providing a large display on the remote control device, if the display is provided in the main body case of the remote control device main body, a wide range of the outer surface of the main body case will be occupied by the screen of the display. On the other hand, in the remote control device of the present embodiment, the display unit having the display is provided outside the main body case and is supported by the support arm so as to be disposed at a position separated from the remote control device main body. Therefore, the outer surface of the main body case is not occupied by the screen of the display. Accordingly, a sufficient area for providing the operation unit can be secured on the outer surface of the main body case.

[0017] In addition, when coupling the display unit to the remote control device main body by coupling the base end portion of the support arm to the main body case and coupling the tip end portion of the support arm to the display case, if the base end portion of the support arm is coupled to the center portion in the left - right direction of the main body case, the outer surface of the main body case is divided left and right by the coupling portion between the base end portion of the support arm and the main body case. On the other hand, in the remote control device of the present embodiment, the base end portion of the support arm is coupled to one end portion in the left - right direction of the main body case. Therefore, the outer surface of the main body case is not divided by the coupling portion between the base end portion of the support arm and the main body case, and as a result, the outer surface of the main body case becomes a continuous and wide surface. Therefore, a sufficient area for providing the operation portion can be secured on the outer surface of the main body case.

[0018] Also, in the remote control device of the present embodiment, the main body case of the remote control device main body is installed on the installation surface provided on the ship. Therefore, by suppressing the enlargement of the main body case, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the area of the installation surface on the hull side required for installing the remote control device. When providing a large display in the remote control device, if the display is provided in the main body case of the remote control device main body, the main body case becomes larger according to the size of the display. On the other hand, in the remote control device of the present embodiment, since the display unit having the display is provided outside the main body case of the remote control device main body, even when a large display is provided in the remote control device, the enlargement of the main body case can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the area of the installation surface on the hull side required for installing the remote control device.

[0019] Thus, according to the remote control device of the present embodiment, an operation portion such as an operation switch and a large display can be provided in the remote control device, and the enlargement of the installation surface on the ship side required for installing the remote control device can be suppressed.

Example

[0020] Using FIGS. 1 to 7, a first embodiment of the remote control device of the present invention will be described.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the direction regarding the ship is 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, that is, the direction of the bow, is defined as the front regarding the ship, the above for that person is defined as the above regarding the ship, and the right for that person is defined as the right regarding the ship. The white arrow A in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7 indicates the forward direction regarding the ship. The direction regarding the remote control device is defined separately from the direction regarding the ship. The direction regarding the remote control device is defined based on the installation surface on which the remote control device is installed. Specifically, the direction orthogonal to the installation surface is the vertical direction, one direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is the front-rear direction, and the direction orthogonal 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 above regarding the remote control device, the arrow Dd indicates the below regarding the remote control device, the arrow Ld indicates the left regarding the remote control device, and the arrow Rd indicates the right regarding the remote control device.

[0022] (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".

[0023] (Console) FIG. 1(B) shows the console 4 as viewed 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. 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 such that its rear face faces the front of the ship 1.

[0024] (Remote control device) FIG. 2 shows the remote control device 11 as viewed from the front upper left. 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.

[0025] The remote control device 11 is a device for remotely operating the outboard motor 3. Further, the remote control device 11 has a function of displaying various information regarding the outboard motor 3 and the ship 1 etc. in addition to the function of remotely operating the outboard motor 3.

[0026] 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 the support arm 41.

[0027] (Remote control device main body) The remote control device main body 12 has a main body case 13, a lever shaft support 14, an arm shaft support 15, and a remote control lever 17.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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, and fixed to the installation surface 5. 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.

[0030] A lever shaft support 14 for supporting the remote control lever 17 is attached to the left end portion of the main body case 13. An arm shaft support 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 14 and the arm shaft support 15 are fixed to the main body case 13 using bolts 16. Also, as shown in FIG. 3(A), both the lever shaft support 14 and the arm shaft support 15 are separated from the installation surface 5.

[0031] 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. By attaching and fixing the lever shaft support portion 14 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 grasping the grip portion 18 and changing the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17.

[0032] Here, with reference to FIG. 4, regarding the inclination angle of the remote control lever 17 and the propulsion force generated by the outboard motor 3, a case will be described as an example in which 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 rotation of the engine to the propeller shaft and switches whether to rotate the propeller shaft forward or backward by the rotation of the engine.

[0033] 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 (neutral state) in which the rotation of the engine is not transmitted to the propeller shaft. As a result, the propulsion force of the ship 1 is not generated by the outboard motor 3.

[0034] When the tilt angle of the remote control lever 17 is within the forward range Rf in FIG. 4, in the outboard motor 3, the rotation of the engine is transmitted to the propeller shaft, and the clutch is switched so that the propeller shaft rotates forward by the rotation of the engine. Thereby, a propulsive force for advancing the ship 1 by the outboard motor 3 is generated.

[0035] When the tilt angle of the remote control lever 17 is within the reverse range Rr in FIG. 4, in the outboard motor 3, the rotation of the engine is transmitted to the propeller shaft, and the clutch is switched so that the propeller shaft rotates reversely by the rotation of the engine. Thereby, a propulsive force for reversing the ship 1 by the outboard motor 3 is generated.

[0036] Also, as shown in FIG. 3(A), a plurality (for example, two) of operation switches 19 are provided at the front portion 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 changeover switch. The steering position changeover switch is a switch for selecting the remote control device 11 for operating the outboard motor 3 from among the plurality of remote control devices 11 when a plurality of remote control devices 11 are provided on the ship. Note that the operation switch 19 is a specific example of the "operation unit".

[0037] Also, as shown in FIG. 3(B), a lever position display lamp 20 is provided at the left portion 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.

[0038] (Display unit) The display unit 22 has a display case 23 and a display 25.

[0039] The display case 23 is formed in a cuboid shape close to a flat plate as shown in FIG. 3(A), 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. Also, a plurality of display operation switches 27 are provided on the right part 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.

[0040] Also, 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.

[0041] 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 engine speed 31 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.

[0042] (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 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 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 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 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.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 5(A), the tip of the support arm 41 is coupled 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 with respect to the support arm 41. Further, the support arm 41 is coupled to the display case 23 such that the extending direction of the support arm 41 is orthogonal to the back surface 23B of the display case 23.

[0046] Since the display unit 22 is thus coupled to the remote control device main body 12 via the support arm 41, the display unit 22 can rotate with respect to the remote control device main body 12 about the rotation axis X2. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the display unit 22 can rotate within the rotation range Re. Further, since the upper surface 13B of the main body case 13 is curved so as to draw an arc centered on the rotation axis X2, the display unit 22 is displaced along the upper 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. Also, 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. Also, 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. Further, it is preferable to provide a detent mechanism or a set screw on the arm shaft support 15 to stop the rotation of the support arm 41 and hold the display unit 22.

[0047] 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 rear 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 rear 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 easily operated.

[0048] As described above, in the remote control device 11 according to 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. Further, 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. Further, the support arm 41 extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, the base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 is coupled to the right end portion of the main body case 13, and the tip end portion of the support arm 41 is coupled to the display case 23. According to this configuration, the operation switch 19 and the large display 25 can be provided in the remote control device 11, and an increase in the installation surface 5 on the ship side required for installing the remote control device 11 can be suppressed.

[0049] That is, when providing the large display 25 in the remote control device 11, if the display 25 is provided within the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12, a wide range of the outer surface of the main body case 13 (for example, the portion from the upper surface 13B to the front surface 13A) will be occupied by the screen 26 of the display 25. In contrast, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the display unit 22 having the display 25 is provided outside the main body case 13 and is supported by the support arm 41 so as to be disposed at a position away from the remote control device main body 12. Therefore, the outer surface of the main body case 13 is not occupied by the screen 26 of the display 25. Thus, a sufficient area for providing the operation switch 19 can be secured on the outer surface of the main body case 13.

[0050] Also, when coupling the display unit 22 to the remote control device main body 12 by coupling the base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 to the main body case 13 and coupling the tip end portion of the support arm 41 to the display case 23, if the base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 is coupled to the center portion in the left-right direction of the main body case 13, the outer surface of the main body case 13 (for example, the front surface 13A, the upper surface 13B, and the rear surface) will be divided left and right by the coupling portion between the base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 and the main body case 13. In contrast, 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. Therefore, the outer surface of the main body case 13 is not divided by the coupling portion between the base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 and the main body case 13, and as a result, the outer surface of the main body case 13 becomes a continuous wide surface. Thus, a sufficient area for providing the operation switch 19 can be secured on the outer surface of the main body case 13.

[0051] Also, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12 is installed on the installation surface 5. 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. When providing the large display 25 in the remote control device 11, if the display 25 is provided in the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12, the main body case 13 will be enlarged according to the size of the display 25. On the other hand, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, since the display unit 22 having the display 25 is provided outside the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12, even when the large display 25 is provided in the remote control device 11, the enlargement of the main body case 13 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the area of the installation surface 5 required for installing the remote control device 11.

[0052] Thus, according to the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the operation switch 19 and the large display 25 can be provided in the remote control device 11, and the expansion of the installation surface 5 required for installing the remote control device 11 can be suppressed.

[0053] Also, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the support arm 41 is attached to the right end portion (one end portion in the left-right direction) of the main body case 13, and the remote control lever 17 is attached to the left end portion (the other end portion in the left-right direction) 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] 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 right end portion (one end portion in the left-right direction) of the main body case 13, the tip end portion of the support arm 41 is coupled to the right end portion (one end portion in the left-right direction) of the display case 23, and the display unit 22 is disposed at a position facing the main body case 13. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the display unit 22 from protruding greatly rightward 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.

[0055] In addition, in the remote control device 11 of the present embodiment, the base end portion 41A of the support arm 41 is rotatably coupled to the right end portion of the main body case 13 so that the display unit 22 can move from above the main body case 13 forward or from above the main body case 13 backward. With this configuration, the operator can change the position of the display unit 22 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easier to view. For example, the operator can change the position of the display unit 22 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easier to view according to 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 operator can position the display unit 22 in front of or above the remote control device main body 12 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easier to view. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, when the installation surface 45 on which the remote control device 11 is installed is inclined, the operator can position the display unit 22 above the rear of the remote control device main body 12 so that the screen 26 of the display 25 is easier to view.

[0056] 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 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, when the display unit 22 is in a 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 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.

[0057] Also, in the remote control device 11 of this embodiment, the support arm 41 connects the display unit 22 and the remote control device main body 12 such that the orientation of the display unit 22 can be changed from upward to forward, and also such that the orientation of the display unit 22 can be changed 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 may be reflected on the screen 26 of the display 25 and enter the operator's eyes, and thus 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, thereby making the information displayed on the screen 26 of the display 25 easier to see.

[0058] 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 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.

[0059] 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. 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, while avoiding the display unit 22 hitting the main body case 13 during rotation, the angle range of rotation of the display unit 22 can be increased, and the rotation radius of the display unit 22 can be reduced.

[0060] 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, a sense of unity appears in the movement of the remote control lever 17 and the movement of the display unit 22, and the aesthetic feeling is enhanced.

Embodiment

[0061] 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 definition of directions for the ship and the definition of directions 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. The main difference between the remote control device of the second embodiment and the remote control device of the first embodiment is that a plurality of pivoting points are provided on the support arm.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows the state of the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. FIG. 9(A) shows the state of the remote control device 51 as viewed from the right.

[0063] 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 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 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.

[0064] The support arm 60 has a first arm piece 61 that forms the base end side portion of the support arm 60 and a second arm piece 62 that forms the tip end side portion of the support arm 60.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The tip 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 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 tip of the second arm piece 62 is rotatably attached to the bracket 63. Note that the tip of the second arm piece 62 corresponds to the tip of the support arm 60.

[0069] Also, the display unit 22 is coupled to the tip 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] In the remote control device 11 of the first embodiment, the display unit 22 may be coupled to the tip of the support arm 41 so as to be rotatable with respect to the support arm 41 about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. In the remote control device 51 of the second embodiment, the display unit 22 may be fixed to the tip of the second arm piece 62 so as to be immovable with respect to the second arm piece 62. 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 as to be immovable with respect to the main body case 13. 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. 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 prevented from rotating about the rotation axis X6.

[0075] In each of the above embodiments, an example of a 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 given, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the remote control device 81 shown in FIG. 10, 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 an end portion (for example, the right end portion) on one side in the left-right direction of the main body case 13 of the remote control device main body 12 via a support arm 82 so as to be immovable with respect to the remote control device main body 12.

[0076] 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. The power source of the marine propulsion unit may be an engine (internal combustion engine) or a motor (electric motor).

[0077] 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

[0078] 1 Ship 3 Outboard motor (ship propulsion unit) 4 Console 5, 45 Installation surface 11, 51, 81 Remote control device 12 Remote control device main body 13 Main body case 17 Remote control lever 19 Operation switch (operation unit) 22 Display unit 23 Display case 23B Rear surface 25 Display 41, 60, 82 Support arm

Claims

1. A remote control device for remotely operating a marine propulsion machine provided on a ship, 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, and a display unit provided outside the main body case; a support arm 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 separated from the remote control device main body; 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 support arm extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, a base end portion of the support arm is coupled to an end portion on one side in the left-right direction of the main body case, and a tip end portion of the support arm is coupled to the display case. A remote control device characterized by this.

2. The remote control lever according to claim 1, wherein the remote control lever is attached to an end portion on the other side in the left-right direction of the main body case.

3. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein a tip end portion of the support arm is coupled to an end portion on one side in the left-right direction of the display case, and the display unit is disposed at a position facing the main body case.

4. The remote control device according to claim 3, wherein a base end portion of the support arm is rotatably coupled to an end portion on one side in the left-right direction of the main body case so that the display unit can move from above the main body case forward or the display unit can move from above the main body case backward.

5. An operation unit is provided on an outer surface of the main body case, and a rotation range of the support arm is set such that the display unit can move from a position where a back surface of the display case and the operation unit face each other to a position where the back surface of the display case and the operation unit do not face each other. The remote control device according to claim 4, characterized by this.

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