Illumination device for outboard engine

Abstract

To provide an illumination device for outboard engine capable of efficiently controlling and accurately synchronizing display timing of illumination display means formed on each of a plurality of outboard engines.SOLUTION: An illumination device for outboard engine includes: illumination display means 1 formed on each of a plurality of outboard engines K and capable of carrying out prescribed display by illumination; and illumination control means 3 formed on each of the outboard engines K and controlling light emission of the illumination display means 1. The illumination device for outboard engine further includes: synchronization means 6 formed on each of the outboard engines K and capable of transmitting or receiving synchronization signals for controlling display timing of the illumination display means 1 between the respective illumination control means 3 of the outboard engines K; and setting means 5 capable of arbitrarily setting main synchronization means for exclusively transmitting the synchronization signals among the synchronization means 6 formed on each of the outboard engines K and following synchronization means for exclusively receiving the synchronization signals sent form the main synchronization means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an outboard motor lighting device in which light-emitting display means capable of producing a predetermined display by emitting light is attached to an outboard motor of a boat. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, an outboard motor attached to the rear of a boat has an internal drive source such as an engine and a propeller that can be rotated by the driving force of the drive source, and the boat is propelled by the rotation of the propeller. Conventionally, outboard motors for boats such as pleasure boats have been equipped with decorative light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light-emitting display means. However, since this prior art does not relate to an invention publicly known in the art, there is no prior art document information to be cited. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, when a boat is equipped with multiple outboard motors, although the light-emitting display means attached to each outboard motor can be turned on or flashed to enhance decorative effect, when attempting to display a variety of different lights, it is necessary to control and synchronize the display timing of each light-emitting display means. For example, in cases where a decorative effect is achieved by causing the light-emitting display means of each outboard motor to light up in sequence over time, or where the displays of each light-emitting display means are combined to form a single display form, it is necessary to control the display timing of each light-emitting display means to synchronize them with high precision.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an outboard motor lighting device that can efficiently control the display timing of light-emitting display means formed on each of a plurality of outboard motors, thereby synchronizing them with high precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention of claim 1 provides an outboard motor lighting device comprising light-emitting display means formed on each of a plurality of outboard motors attached to a boat and capable of producing a predetermined display by emitting light, and light-emitting control means formed on each of the plurality of outboard motors for controlling the light emission of the light-emitting display means, characterized in that the lighting device further comprises: synchronization means formed on each of the plurality of outboard motors and capable of transmitting or receiving a synchronization signal for controlling the display timing of the light-emitting display means between the light-emitting control means of each of the plurality of outboard motors; and setting means for arbitrarily setting one of the synchronization means formed on each of the plurality of outboard motors as a primary synchronization means that exclusively transmits the synchronization signal, and another as a secondary synchronization means that exclusively receives the synchronization signal transmitted from the primary synchronization means.

[0006] The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the outboard motor lighting device of claim 1, a storage means for storing the settings of the main synchronization means and the secondary synchronization means set by the setting means is disposed in each of the outboard motors.

[0007] The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the outboard motor lighting device of claim 1, the light-emitting control means forcibly stops the light-emitting display means from emitting light in accordance with the remaining capacity of the battery that supplies power to the light-emitting display means.

[0008] The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the outboard motor lighting device of claim 1, the light-emitting display means comprises a display panel having a plurality of light-emitting diodes attached to each outboard motor, and the predetermined display is produced by selectively turning on and off the light-emitting diodes in predetermined colors and at predetermined timings.

[0009] The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the outboard motor lighting device of claim 4, the light-emitting display means selectively turns on and off the light-emitting diodes in predetermined colors and at predetermined timings to display as a stern light or to display a request for emergency rescue.

[0010] The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the outboard motor lighting device of claim 1, it has an operating means for performing settings using the setting means, the synchronizing means is provided on the operating means, and the synchronizing means of the operating means is set to the main synchronizing means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the invention of claim 1, there are provided synchronization means formed in each of the multiple outboard motors and capable of transmitting or receiving synchronization signals for controlling the display timing of the light-emitting display means between the light-emitting control means of each of the outboard motors, and setting means for arbitrarily setting the primary synchronization means formed in each of the multiple outboard motors that exclusively transmits synchronization signals and the secondary synchronization means that exclusively receives synchronization signals transmitted from the primary synchronization means, so that the display timing of the light-emitting display means formed in each of the multiple outboard motors can be efficiently controlled and synchronized with high precision. Furthermore, because the primary synchronization means and secondary synchronization means can be arbitrarily changed by setting, the invention of claim 1 can flexibly accommodate changes in the specifications of a boat (for example, changing the number of outboard motors from three to four).

[0012] According to the invention of claim 2, each outboard motor is provided with storage means for storing the settings of the primary synchronization means and secondary synchronization means set by the setting means. Therefore, when the outboard motor lighting device is activated, it can be synchronized using the settings stored in the storage means, which saves time and effort compared to when repeated setting operations using the setting means are required.

[0013] According to the invention of claim 3, the light emission control means forcibly stops the light emission of the light emitting display means in accordance with the remaining capacity of the battery that supplies power to the light emitting display means, thereby making it possible to suppress battery consumption.

[0014] According to the invention of claim 4, the light-emitting display means comprises a display panel having a plurality of light-emitting diodes attached to each outboard motor, and the predetermined display is produced by selectively turning the light-emitting diodes on and off in predetermined colors and at predetermined timing, so that each light-emitting diode can function as a pixel to delicately display desired patterns, designs, letters, etc.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 5, the light-emitting display means selectively turns on and off the light-emitting diodes in predetermined colors and at predetermined timings to display as a stern light or to display a request for emergency rescue. Therefore, in addition to being a decorative light-emitting display, the light-emitting display means can also be a light-emitting display with a predetermined role.

[0016] According to the invention of claim 6, an operating means for setting by the setting means is provided, and the operating means is provided with a synchronization means, and the synchronization means of the operating means is set as the main synchronization means, thereby eliminating the need for wiring to connect multiple outboard motors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a boat equipped with an outboard motor lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outboard motor attached to the vessel. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of lighting devices for outboard motors mounted across multiple outboard motors. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of an outboard motor lighting device installed on a specific outboard motor. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an outboard motor lighting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an outboard motor lighting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The outboard motor lighting device according to the first embodiment is a lighting device in which light-emitting display means 1 capable of producing a predetermined display by emitting light is attached to an outboard motor K of a boat H, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is configured to include the light-emitting display means 1, a control unit 2 having light-emitting control means 3, storage means 4 and setting means 5, synchronization means 6 and operation means D.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the boat H to which the present invention is applied is configured to have a plurality of (four in this embodiment) outboard motors K (K1 to K4) attached to the rear of the boat (so-called multi-motor installation), and each outboard motor K is provided with a drive source such as an engine and is fitted with a propeller S driven by the drive source. When a start switch I (see Figure 4) provided on the boat H is operated to start the drive source such as the engine, the propeller S is driven to rotate, thereby providing propulsion for the boat H.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, each of the outboard motors (K1 to K4) applied to this embodiment is connected to a battery B provided on the boat H via a terminal T4, enabling power to be supplied to the light-emitting display means 1 and the control unit 2 that constitute the outboard motor lighting device. The light-emitting display means 1 is formed on each of the multiple outboard motors K and is capable of performing a predetermined display by emitting light, and is made up of a display panel with multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) attached to each outboard motor K.

[0021] The light-emitting display means 1 according to this embodiment is configured to perform a predetermined display by selectively turning on and off a plurality of light-emitting diodes in predetermined colors and at predetermined timings using the display driver 9. That is, each light-emitting diode functions as a pixel, and by selectively turning on or off each light-emitting diode using the display driver 9, it is possible to display a predetermined form (for example, a design, pattern, or character) on the entire screen of the light-emitting display means 1.

[0022] The control unit 2 controls the display of the light-emitting display means 1 and comprises light-emitting control means 3, storage means 4, and setting means 5. The light-emitting control means 3 is formed in each of the multiple outboard motors K and comprises a microcomputer or the like for controlling the light emission of the light-emitting display means 1, and is configured to cause the light-emitting display means 1 to display a predetermined form of display. As a result, the light-emitting control means 3 can, for example, cause the light-emitting display means 1 of the four outboard motors (K1 to K4) to sequentially display a predetermined design, pattern, or letter, or can coordinate the display of the light-emitting display means 1 of the four outboard motors (K1 to K4) to display a single design, pattern, or letter.

[0023] The storage means 4 is composed of a memory or the like for storing desired data and information, and is capable of storing control contents (data and information) related to the display mode of the light-emitting display means 1. For example, the storage means 4 according to this embodiment stores information related to a plurality of types of display modes. Then, when a display mode is selected by the light-emitting control means 3, the control unit 2 obtains information related to the selected display mode from the storage means 4 and controls the display of the light-emitting display means 1.

[0024] The synchronization means 6 is formed in each of the multiple outboard motors K and is composed of a microcomputer, control circuit, etc. that is capable of transmitting and receiving synchronization signals for controlling the display timing of the light-emitting display means 1 between the light-emitting control means 3 of each outboard motor K. In other words, the synchronization means 6 formed in each outboard motor K is electrically connected to the control unit 2, and is also connected to the synchronization means 6 of adjacent outboard motors K by wiring L2, allowing the transmission and reception of synchronization signals. Note that the symbol T2 in Figure 4 indicates a terminal to which wiring L2 is connected and which connects adjacent synchronization means 6.

[0025] The setting means 5 is made up of a microcomputer, a switching control circuit, etc. that can arbitrarily set (assign) the primary synchronizing means that exclusively transmits synchronizing signals and the secondary synchronizing means that exclusively receive synchronizing signals transmitted from the primary synchronizing means among the synchronizing means 6 formed in each of the multiple outboard motors K. In other words, the setting means 5 can set (assign) the synchronizing means 6 of a specific outboard motor K among the multiple outboard motors (K1 to K4) as the primary synchronizing means, and set (assign) the synchronizing means 6 of the other outboard motors K as the secondary synchronizing means.

[0026] The synchronization means 6 set as the main synchronization means in a particular outboard motor K exclusively transmits, via the wiring L2, a synchronization signal for controlling the timing of display (for example, the timing of turning on and off light-emitting diodes that represent patterns, designs, or characters in each light-emitting display means 1) when the control unit 2 controls the display of the light-emitting display means 1. Meanwhile, the synchronization means 6 set as the secondary synchronization means in the other outboard motors K exclusively receives, via the wiring L2, the synchronization signal transmitted from the main synchronization means, and controls the control unit 2 to display the light-emitting display means 1 in synchronization with the synchronization signal.

[0027] The operation means D is comprised of a controller and the like that allows the user to make settings using the setting means 5, and is disposed on the boat H and connected to input / output means 7 formed on each of the outboard motors (K1 to K4). The input / output means 7 is electrically connected to the control unit 2 formed on each outboard motor K, and is also connected to the operation means D via a wire L1. Note that T1 in FIG. 4 indicates a terminal to which the wire L1 is connected for connecting the operation means D and the input / output means 7.

[0028] The user can operate the operation device D to set the synchronization device 6 of a specific outboard motor K as the primary synchronization device. In this case, the synchronization device 6 of the specific outboard motor K selected as the primary synchronization device transmits an operation signal to the other outboard motors K via the wiring L2. The setting devices 5 of the other outboard motors K set (assign) the secondary synchronization devices based on this operation signal. For example, if the user sets the synchronization device 6 of the outboard motor K1 as the primary synchronization device, the setting device 5 of the outboard motor K1 sets (assigns) the setting devices 5 of the outboard motors K2, K3, and K4 as the secondary synchronization devices.

[0029] The switch input means 8 is made up of a microcomputer, a switching control circuit, etc., which are electrically connected to the control unit 2, and is connected to the start switch I of the boat H via a wire L3. When the start switch I of the outboard motor K is operated to start the engine, which is the drive source of the outboard motor K, a start signal is sent to the switch input means 8, and the control unit 2 controls the light-emitting display means 1 to stop a predetermined display (to turn off all light-emitting diodes formed on the light-emitting display means 1). Note that T3 in FIG. 4 indicates a terminal to which the wire L3 is connected to connect the start switch I and the switch input means 8.

[0030] Here, the storage means 4 according to this embodiment is configured to store the control contents related to the display mode of the light-emitting display means 1, as well as the settings (assignment state) of the primary synchronization means and the secondary synchronization means set by the setting means 5. This allows the outboard motor lighting device to be synchronized with the settings stored in the storage means 4 when it is operated, which saves time and effort compared to when the setting operation using the setting means 5 must be repeated.

[0031] Furthermore, the light-emitting control means 3 according to this embodiment is configured to forcibly stop the light-emitting display means 1 from emitting light (forcibly turn off all light-emitting diodes formed on the light-emitting display means 1) depending on the remaining capacity of the battery B that supplies power to the light-emitting display means 1 (more specifically, the entire outboard motor lighting device). This allows the light-emitting control means 3 according to this embodiment to suppress consumption of the battery B.

[0032] Furthermore, the light-emitting display means 1 according to this embodiment is comprised of a display panel having a plurality of light-emitting diodes attached to each outboard motor K, and a predetermined display is produced by selectively turning on and off the light-emitting diodes in predetermined colors and at predetermined timings, so that each light-emitting diode can function as a pixel to delicately display desired designs, patterns or letters.

[0033] In addition, the light-emitting display means 1 according to this embodiment can selectively light-emitting diodes in predetermined colors and at predetermined timings to display as a stern light (in this case, white light) or to display an emergency rescue request (displaying "SOS"). As a result, the light-emitting display means 1 according to this embodiment can display not only decorative light-emitting displays, but also light-emitting displays with a predetermined role (safety by a stern light or a rescue request in an emergency).

[0034] Furthermore, some outboard motors K have a tilt-up function (a function for pulling the outboard motor up). The light-emitting display means 1 according to this embodiment utilizes this tilt-up function of the outboard motor K to point the light-emitting display means 1 upward, thereby making it easier for aircraft in the sky to see the stern light signaling a safety or emergency rescue request.

[0035] The outboard motor lighting device according to the embodiment described above includes synchronization means 6 provided in each of the plurality of outboard motors (K1-K4) that are capable of transmitting or receiving synchronization signals for controlling the display timing of the light-emitting display means 1 between the light-emitting control means 3 of each of the outboard motors (K1-K4), and setting means 5 that can arbitrarily set the primary synchronization means, which exclusively transmits synchronization signals, and the secondary synchronization means, which exclusively receive synchronization signals transmitted from the primary synchronization means, among the synchronization means 6 provided in each of the plurality of outboard motors (K1-K4). This allows for efficient control of the display timing of the light-emitting display means 1 provided in each of the plurality of outboard motors (K1-K4), and for accurate synchronization. Furthermore, because the primary synchronization means and the secondary synchronization means can be arbitrarily changed by setting, the outboard motor lighting device according to the embodiment can flexibly accommodate changes in the specifications of the boat (for example, changing the number of outboard motors K from three to four).

[0036] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. 5, the operation means D according to this embodiment includes a setting means 10 and a synchronization means 11. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The setting means 10 in the operating means D according to this embodiment is made up of a microcomputer, a switching control circuit, and the like, which are capable of setting (assigning) the synchronization means 11 as the primary synchronization means. A user can operate the operating means D to set the synchronization means 11 of the operating means D as the primary synchronization means. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the operating means D transmits an operation signal to each outboard motor K (K1 to K4) via the wiring L1. The setting means 5 in each outboard motor (K1 to K4) sets (assigns) the synchronization means 6 as the secondary synchronization means based on this operation signal.

[0038] The synchronization means 11 in the operation device D according to this embodiment is connected to the synchronization means 6 of at least one outboard motor K via the wiring L2. When the user sets the synchronization means 11 as the primary synchronization means, the synchronization means 11 exclusively transmits, via the wiring L2, a synchronization signal for controlling the timing of display on the light-emitting display means 1 of the outboard motor K (for example, the timing of turning on and off the light-emitting diodes that represent the designs, patterns, or characters on each light-emitting display means 1). Furthermore, the synchronization means 6 set as the secondary synchronization means in each outboard motor (K1 to K4) exclusively receives the synchronization signal transmitted from the primary synchronization means via the wiring L2, and controls the control unit 2 to perform display on the light-emitting display means 1 in synchronization with the synchronization signal.

[0039] According to this embodiment, there is provided an operating means D for setting using the setting means 10, and the operating means D is provided with a synchronization means 11, and the synchronization means 11 of the operating means D is set as the main synchronization means, so that wiring connecting multiple outboard motors K is not required.

[0040] Furthermore, a third embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 6, the outboard motor lighting device according to this embodiment is equipped with a mobile terminal N instead of the operating device D according to the first and second embodiments. The mobile terminal N is a communication terminal such as a smartphone or tablet carried by the user, or a portable key that can unlock various locks on the boat H and allow the drive source to start. Furthermore, each outboard motor K according to this embodiment is equipped with an antenna E that receives an operating signal from the mobile terminal N via wireless communication, instead of the wiring L1 and terminal T1 according to the first and second embodiments. Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] A user can operate the mobile terminal N to select the synchronization means 6 of a specific outboard motor K as the primary synchronization means. In this case, the mobile terminal N transmits an operation signal to each outboard motor K via the antenna E. The setting means 5 in each outboard motor K sets (assigns) the primary synchronization means and the secondary synchronization means based on this operation signal. Note that, in this embodiment, similar to the operation means D according to the second embodiment, the mobile terminal N may be set (assigned) as the primary synchronization means, and the synchronization means 6 of all outboard motors K may be set (assigned) as the secondary synchronization means.

[0042] Although the first, second, and third embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the input / output means 7 according to the first and second embodiments is connected to the operation means D via the wiring L1 and is capable of receiving an operation signal from the operation means D, but the operation signal may be received via wireless communication instead of communication via the wiring L1. Similarly, in the first, second, and third embodiments, wireless communication may be performed instead of communication via the wirings L2 and L3.

[0043] Furthermore, instead of using the operation means D or the mobile terminal N, the main synchronization means and the secondary synchronization means may be set by directly operating the setting means 5 by connecting a personal computer or the like to the control unit 2. However, the operation means D or the mobile terminal N is not limited to the operation for setting by the setting means 5, and may also be used to perform other operations (for example, a selection operation as to whether or not to forcibly stop the emission of the light-emitting display means 1 depending on the remaining capacity of the battery B).

[0044] Furthermore, the storage means 4 in this embodiment is configured to store the control contents related to the display mode of the light-emitting display means 1, as well as the settings (assignment status) of the main synchronization means and the secondary synchronization means by the setting means 5, but it may also be configured to store solely the settings (assignment status) of the main synchronization means and the secondary synchronization means by the setting means 5.

[0045] Additionally, the outboard motor lighting device according to this embodiment is configured to stop a predetermined display on the light-emitting indicator 1 when the start switch I is operated to start the engine that is the drive source of the outboard motor K, but it may also be configured to continue the predetermined display on the light-emitting indicator 1 even after the engine has started. Also, although the power supply for the outboard motor lighting device is shared with the battery B mounted on the outboard motor K, a dedicated battery may also be used.

[0046] Furthermore, the light-emitting display means 1 in this embodiment is configured as a display panel having a plurality of light-emitting diodes, but it may be configured as a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged in a line or in any other shape, or may be configured as a single light-emitting diode. Note that the outboard motor lighting device in this embodiment is equipped with light-emitting display means 1 etc. in four outboard motors (K1 to K4), but the number is not limited to four as long as there are multiple outboard motors K. [Industrial Applicability]

[0047] As long as the lighting device for an outboard motor has the same purpose, it may have a different external shape or may have other functions added thereto. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. Light-emitting display means 2. Control Unit 3. Light emission control means 4 Memory means 5. Setting Methods 6 Synchronization Methods 7 Input / output means 8 Switch input means 9 Display Driver 10 Setting Method 11 Synchronization Methods H Ship K (K1, K2, K3, K4) outboard motor D Operation means I Start switch N mobile device

Claims

1. a light-emitting display means formed on each of a plurality of outboard motors attached to a boat, the light-emitting display means being capable of displaying a predetermined indication by emitting light; a light emitting control means formed in each of the plurality of outboard motors for controlling the light emission of the light emitting display means; An outboard motor lighting device comprising: a synchronization means provided in each of the plurality of outboard motors, the synchronization means being capable of transmitting or receiving a synchronization signal for controlling the display timing of the light-emitting display means between the light-emitting control means of each of the outboard motors; a setting means for arbitrarily setting, among the synchronizing means provided in each of the plurality of outboard motors, a primary synchronizing means that exclusively transmits the synchronizing signal and a secondary synchronizing means that exclusively receives the synchronizing signal transmitted from the primary synchronizing means; 1. A lighting device for an outboard motor, comprising:

2. 2. An outboard motor lighting system according to claim 1, wherein each of said outboard motors has a memory means for storing the settings of said main synchronization means and said slave synchronization means set by said setting means.

3. 2. The lighting device for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control means forcibly stops the light emission of the light emitting display means in accordance with the remaining capacity of a battery that supplies power to the light emitting display means.

4. 2. An outboard motor lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting display means comprises a display panel having a plurality of light-emitting diodes attached to each outboard motor, and the predetermined display is produced by selectively turning on and off the light-emitting diodes in predetermined colors and at predetermined timings.

5. 5. The lighting device for an outboard motor according to claim 4, wherein the light-emitting display means selectively turns on and off the light-emitting diodes in predetermined colors and at predetermined timings to display as a stern light or to display an emergency rescue request.

6. 2. The outboard motor lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising an operating means for performing settings by said setting means, said operating means being provided with said synchronization means, and said synchronization means being set as said main synchronization means.

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