Operating device for outboard motor

Abstract

To provide an operation device capable of operating a grip member with a neutral position in a rotation direction as a reference.SOLUTION: An operation device 33 is provided on a tiller handle 20 of an outboard motor. The operating device 33 includes a grip member 32, a shaft member 40, a lock mechanism 50, a lock release mechanism 51, and a neutral biasing mechanism 100. The grip member 32 rotates in the first direction and the second direction from the neutral position. The position of the shaft member 40 in the rotational direction is detected by a sensor, and the motor is controlled. The lock mechanism 50 has a lock member 70 and an operation member 90, and can non-rotatably lock the shaft member 40 in a state that the grip member 32 is positioned at the neutral position. The neutral biasing mechanism 100 has a spring member 101 and biases the grip member 32 toward the neutral position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for operating an outboard motor such as an electric outboard motor, and more particularly to an operating device having a grip portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric outboard motors that use an electric motor (hereinafter simply referred to as a motor) as a power source are known. Electric outboard motors that have a grip section on a tiller handle for operating the accelerator and the like are also known. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe electric outboard motors that have a grip section for controlling the motor. The operator controls the rotation of the motor by rotating the grip section.

[0003] If the operating device is equipped with a potentiometer that detects the rotational position of the grip, it is possible to change the rotation speed of the motor according to the output of the potentiometer. For example, when the operator rotates the grip from a neutral position in a first direction, the motor rotates in the first direction (e.g., the direction in which the boat moves forward) according to the output of the potentiometer. Then, the speed of the motor can be controlled to increase or decrease according to the rotational position (rotation angle) of the grip.

[0004] When the grip portion is rotated in a second direction from the neutral position, the motor rotates in the second direction (for example, the direction in which the boat moves backward). In this way, the rotation direction of the motor can be changed depending on the rotation direction of the grip portion. In this specification, increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor of an electric outboard motor is referred to as accelerator operation. This is equivalent to operating the throttle of an internal combustion engine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-136349 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-046745 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In electric outboard motors, the motor is generally controlled by an electrical signal output in response to the rotation of the grip. When the rotation of the grip is electrically detected by a sensor, the force required to rotate the grip is smaller than that required for an engine-powered outboard motor, which uses a mechanical power transmission cable. For this reason, there is a concern that unintentional operation of the grip may cause the motor to speed up or change direction.

[0007] Mechanisms have been considered to provide frictional resistance to the grip member's rotation to prevent it from rotating unintentionally, or to hold the grip member in a predetermined rotational position, but these have sometimes been difficult to operate. Given this background, it has been desirable to be able to return a grip member that has been operated in a first or second direction to its neutral position, and to temporarily hold the grip in the neutral position. In this specification, "temporarily held" refers to a state in which the grip member is held in place by a certain degree of resistance, such as when the operator releases their hand from the grip member or when the force exerted on the grip member to rotate it is weak.

[0008] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an operating device for an outboard motor equipped with a steering handle (tiller handle) that enables the operator to orient the grip section to a neutral position that can serve as a reference for operating the grip section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An operating device according to one embodiment includes a grip member, a shaft member, a locking mechanism, an unlocking mechanism, and a neutral biasing mechanism. The grip member rotates in a first direction and a second direction about an axis relative to a housing. The shaft member rotates about the axis together with the grip member and controls rotation of the outboard motor according to the position in the rotational direction. The locking mechanism has a locking member that is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the shaft member. When the locking member is moved to the first position, it prevents rotation of the shaft member. The unlocking mechanism has an operating member. When the grip member is positioned in a neutral position about the axis, the operating member moves the locking member to the second position. The neutral biasing mechanism biases the grip member toward the neutral position.

[0010] In an operating device according to one embodiment, the locking member may be movable relative to the shaft member between the first position and the second position in a direction along the axis but may not rotate about the axis relative to the shaft member. The operating device may also include a rotation prevention portion that prevents the locking member from rotating about the axis when the locking member is in the first position and allows the locking member to rotate about the axis when the locking member is in the second position. The operating device may also include a return spring that biases the locking member from the second position toward the first position.

[0011] The unlocking mechanism may have an operating member that has an operating portion that protrudes from a side surface of the gripping member when the locking member is in the first position, and a leg that moves the locking member to the second position when the operating portion is pressed into the gripping member.

[0012] The neutral biasing mechanism may include a spring member having a wire winding portion made of a wound wire, a first arm portion formed at one end of the wire winding portion, and a second arm portion formed at the other end of the wire winding portion.

[0013] The neutral biasing mechanism may have an actuator that moves the first arm in a direction that elastically deforms the wire winding portion when the grip member is rotated in the first direction, and moves the second arm in a direction that elastically deforms the wire winding portion when the grip member is rotated in the second direction. The neutral biasing mechanism may have a spring support that supports the first arm and the second arm.

[0014] The operating device may have a neutral stop mechanism that temporarily holds the grip member in the neutral position when the grip member is in the neutral position. The neutral stop mechanism may have a locking member, a receiving portion, and an elastic member. The locking member and the receiving portion fit together when the grip member is in the neutral position. The elastic member biases the locking member toward the receiving portion when the grip member is in the neutral position.

[0015] The operating device according to one embodiment may include a neutral return suppression unit. This neutral return suppression unit stops the grip member before the neutral position when the grip member moves from a state in which the grip member has rotated in the first direction or the second direction toward the neutral position. The operating device according to one embodiment may further include a friction mechanism that suppresses rotation of the shaft member. This friction mechanism may include a friction member that applies friction to the rotation of the shaft member, and an operator that is disposed on the outer surface of the housing and adjusts the friction force of the friction member. The operating device may be disposed on a tiller handle of an electric outboard motor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one embodiment of the outboard motor operating device, the operator can easily operate the grip member based on the neutral position of the grip member's rotational direction. Furthermore, since the grip member can be returned to the neutral position after rotating in the first or second direction, unintentional accelerator operation can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a portion of a boat equipped with an outboard motor. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tiller handle of the outboard motor shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of an operating device provided on the tiller handle shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the operating device shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the operating device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operating device in a locked state. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operating device when it is in an unlocked state. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device when it is in an unlocked state. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a locking mechanism and a lock-release mechanism of the operating device. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a neutral biasing mechanism in a part of the operating device. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line F11-F11 in FIG. 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of the operating device including a neutral stop mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line F13-F13 in FIG. 3 . [Figure 14] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device showing a state in which the grip member is rotated in a first direction from the neutral position. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device showing a state in which the grip member shown in FIG. 14 has stopped just before the neutral position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the operating device shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line F17-F17 in FIG. 3 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An operating device for an electric outboard motor according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 17. Hereinafter, the electric outboard motor will be simply referred to as an outboard motor. A boat 10, a portion of which is shown in FIG. 1, is equipped with an outboard motor 12 located at the rear of a hull 11. The outboard motor 12 is fixed to the hull 11 by a fixing mechanism 13. The outboard motor 12 can be turned left and right (toward the port side and starboard side) around a hinge portion 14. The outboard motor 12 is equipped with a tiller handle 20 that is operated by the operator. The direction of the outboard motor 12 can be changed by moving the tiller handle 20 left and right.

[0019] The outboard motor 12 includes a motor 21 as a power source, a control unit 22 that controls the motor 21, a power transmission mechanism 23, and a propeller 24. Rotation of the motor 21 is transmitted to the propeller 24 via the power transmission mechanism 23. The motor 21 is rotated by a direct current supplied from a battery 25, causing the propeller 24 to rotate in a first direction or a second direction. When the propeller 24 rotates in the first direction, the hull 11 moves forward, and when the propeller 24 rotates in the second direction, the hull 11 moves backward.

[0020] 2 is a perspective view of the tiller handle 20. The tiller handle 20 includes a housing 30, a housing cover 31, and an operating device 33 equipped with a grip member 32. The housing 30 is made of metal, for example, but the material can be selected as needed. The housing cover 31 is made of resin, for example, but the material can be selected as needed.

[0021] The grip member 32 is a part that is grasped by the boat operator and can rotate around the axis X1 of the tiller handle 20. When the boat operator controls the motor 21, the grip member 32 can be rotated in a first direction (for example, forward movement) indicated by an arrow A1 and in a second direction (for example, reverse movement) indicated by an arrow A2, with the neutral position N (shown in FIG. 2) as the boundary.

[0022] 3 shows a cross section along the axis X1 of a portion of the tiller handle 20 (a portion including the operating device 33). The grip member 32 forms part of the operating device 33 and includes an inner member 32a and an outer member 32b that covers the inner member 32a. The outer member 32b is made of, for example, a rubber elastic body so that it is easy for the operator to grip.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3 , the operating device 33 includes a shaft member 40, a locking member 70, a spring 85, an operating member 90, and a neutral biasing mechanism 100 inside the grip member 32. The shaft member 40 includes a first end 40a and a second end 40b. The shaft member 40 is disposed at the rotation center of the grip member 32 and extends in a direction along an axis X1. The shaft member 40 can rotate about the axis X1 by means of a first bearing member 41 and a second bearing member 42 provided in the housing 30. The grip member 32 and the shaft member 40 are fixed to each other by a fixing member 43.

[0024] A sensor base member 45 is attached to the second end 40b of the shaft member 40. The sensor base member 45 rotates integrally with the shaft member 40 around the axis X1. A movable portion 46a of a sensor 46 is attached to the sensor base member 45. A fixed portion 46b of the sensor 46 is disposed opposite the movable portion 46a. The fixed portion 46b is fixed to the housing 30.

[0025] An example of the sensor 46 is a potentiometer, but sensors other than potentiometers may also be used. In short, any sensor that can output a signal corresponding to the position of the shaft member 40 in the rotational direction will suffice. The signal related to the rotational position detected by the sensor 46 is output to the control unit 22 (shown in FIG. 1) via an electric cable 47. The shaft member 40 is provided with a spring 48 that biases the shaft member 40 toward the fixed portion 46b.

[0026] The operating device 33 includes a locking mechanism 50 and an unlocking mechanism 51 . Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism 50 and the locking release mechanism 51. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the locking mechanism 50. Width across flat portions 55 and 56 that are parallel to each other are formed at the first end 40a of the shaft member 40.

[0027] The locking mechanism 50 includes a locking member 70, anti-rotation portions 71 and 72 formed on the housing 30, and a return spring 85. The anti-rotation portions 71 and 72 are parallel to each other. The locking member 70 has a through-hole 75 into which the two-flat portions 55 and 56 of the shaft member 40 are inserted. The locking member 70 includes a cylindrical main body 70a, two protrusions 80 provided on the main body 70a, a rectangular protrusion 76 provided on the front end side of the main body 70a (the end closest to the fixed member 43), and a restricting protrusion 91. As shown in FIG. 9 , the restricting protrusion 91 has a first portion 91a extending forward of the rectangular protrusion 76 and a second portion 91b extending from the tip of the first portion 91a in a T-shaped manner. The through-hole 75 opens at the end face of the rectangular protrusion 76.

[0028] The through-hole 75 of the locking member 70 has a shape corresponding to the two-flat width portions 55, 56. With the two-flat width portions 55, 56 inserted into the through-hole 75, the locking member 70 is movable in the direction along the axis X1. One example of the locking member 70 is a sliding type, which can be moved relative to the shaft member 40 between a first position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) and a second position (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) in the direction along the axis X1. Because the two-flat width portions 55, 56 of the shaft member 40 are inserted into the through-hole 75, the locking member 70 cannot rotate around the axis X1 relative to the shaft member 40.

[0029] A protrusion 80 is formed on the outer periphery of the locking member 70. Planar portions 81, 82 that are parallel to each other are formed on the protrusion 80. The planar portions 81, 82 have shapes that correspond to the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 formed on the housing 30. When the planar portions 81, 82 correspond to the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 in terms of their positions around the axis X1, the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 and the planar portions 81, 82 can fit together.

[0030] With the flat portions 81, 82 and the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 fitted together, the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 cannot rotate about the axis X1 relative to the housing 30. In other words, the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 are locked relative to the housing 30, and the grip member 32 is fixed.

[0031] Figure 6 is a plan view of the locking member 70 when it has moved to the first position and is in a locked state with the shaft member 40. When the locking member 70 moves to the first position (locked position) as shown in Figure 6, the flat portions 81, 82 enter between the anti-rotation portions 71, 72, preventing rotation of the locking member 70 relative to the housing 30. When rotation of the locking member 70 is prevented, rotation of the shaft member 40 and the grip member 32 is also prevented, resulting in a locked state. The locking member 70 is biased toward the locked position by a return spring 85.

[0032] With the flat surfaces 81, 82 positioned between the anti-rotation portions 71, 72, the locking member 70 is able to move in a direction along the axis X1 relative to the housing 30. When the locking member 70 moves along the axis X1 to the second position (unlocked position) and the flat surfaces 81, 82 are disengaged from the anti-rotation portions 71, 72, the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 are able to rotate about the axis X1. In other words, the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 are in an unlocked state.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 when they are in an unlocked state. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 when they are in an unlocked state. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 50 and a portion of the locking mechanism 51. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, when the locking member 70 moves to the second position (unlocked position), the flat portions 81, 82 are disengaged from the anti-rotation portions 71, 72, and the grip member 32, the shaft member 40, and the locking member 70 become rotatable about the axis X1.

[0034] The unlocking mechanism 51 includes an operating member 90 connected to the shaft member 40, and a restricting protrusion 91 provided on the locking member 70. The operating member 90 has a pair of legs 92 that sandwich the second portion 91b of the restricting protrusion 91, and an operating part 94 that protrudes outward from a hole 93 in the gripping member 32. The operating member 90 can move about an axis 95 between a locked position shown in FIG. 3 and an unlocked position shown in FIG. 8. When the locking member 70 is in the first position (locked position), the operating part 94 protrudes outward from the side surface of the gripping member 32.

[0035] When the operator pushes the operating part 94 inward toward the grip member 32 in the unlocking direction, the operating member 90 rotates around the axis 95. When the operating member 90 rotates around the axis 95, the leg part 92 presses the rectangular protrusion 76. When the rectangular protrusion 76 is pressed, the locking member 70 moves in a direction along the axis X1 to the second position (shown in Figures 7 and 8). When the locking member 70 moves to the second position, the grip member 32, the shaft member 40, and the locking member 70 become rotatable around the axis X1.

[0036] When the grip member 32 rotates in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2 around the axis X1, the rotational position of the shaft member 40 is detected by the sensor 46. The signal output from the sensor 46 is input to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 controls the rotation of the motor 21 in response to the signal output from the sensor 46. When the grip member 32 is in a position other than the neutral position N, the flat portions 81, 82 do not coincide with the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 with respect to their position around the axis X1. This prevents the locking member 70 from returning to the first position (locked position), maintaining the unlocked state. Note that when the unlocked state is maintained in this manner, as shown in FIG. 9 , the second portion 91b of the restricting protrusion 91 can press against the wall portion 92a on the rear end of the leg portion 92. This restricts the operating member 90 from moving in the direction indicated by the arrow R1 around the axis 95, i.e., restricts the operating member 90 from returning to the locked position.

[0037] When the grip member 32 returns to the neutral position N, the flat surfaces 81, 82 of the lock member 70 coincide with the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 in relation to their position around the axis X1. This allows the lock member 70 to move in the direction along the axis X1. The elastic force of the return spring 85 causes the lock member 70 to move in the direction along the axis X1 toward the first position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 6). When the lock member 70 returns to the first position, the operating portion 94 protrudes outward from the grip member 32.

[0038] The operating device 33 of this embodiment has a neutral biasing mechanism 100 that biases the grip member 32 toward the neutral position N. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the operating device 33 showing the neutral biasing mechanism 100. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device 33 taken along line F11-F11 in Fig. 3. The neutral biasing mechanism 100 includes a spring member 101 as an example of a biasing member, a grip collar 102, a spring support portion 103, and an actuation portion 104 provided on the grip member 32. The grip collar 102 is made of, for example, resin, and is fixed to the housing 30. The spring support portion 103 is provided on the grip collar 102.

[0039] An example of the spring member 101 is a torsion spring. The spring member 101 has a wire winding portion 110 around which a wire is wound. As shown in FIG. 11 , the wire winding portion 110 is disposed so as to surround a portion 30a of the housing 30. A first arm portion 111 is formed at one end of the wire winding portion 110. A second arm portion 112 is formed at the other end of the wire winding portion 110. The operating portion 104 has a convex shape that faces inwardly of the grip member 32.

[0040] The first arm 111 is engaged with the first surface 103a of the spring support portion 103. The second arm 112 is engaged with the second surface 103b of the spring support portion 103. A bending stress is applied to the wire winding portion 110. The operating portion 104 provided on the grip member 32 is disposed between the first arm 111 and the second arm 112.

[0041] 11, when the grip member 32 rotates in the first direction A1, the first arm 111 is moved in the first direction A1 by the operating part 104 while the second arm 112 is supported by the spring support part 103. This causes the wire winding part 110 to elastically deform, and the elastic energy of the bending urges the grip member 32 toward the neutral position N.

[0042] 11, when the grip member 32 rotates in the second direction A2, the second arm 112 is moved in the second direction A2 by the operating part 104 while the first arm 111 is supported by the spring support part 103. This causes the wire winding part 110 to elastically deform, and the elastic energy of the bending urges the grip member 32 toward the neutral position N.

[0043] The operating device 33 of this embodiment has a neutral stop mechanism 120 that can temporarily hold the grip member 32 in the neutral position N. In this specification, "temporarily held" refers to a state in which the grip member 32 is held with a certain degree of resistance when, for example, the operator releases the grip member 32 or the force applying to rotate the grip member 32 is weak.

[0044] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a part of the operating device 33 including the neutral stop mechanism 120. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the operating device 33 taken along line F13-F13 in Fig. 3. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device 33 showing a state in which the grip member 32 has rotated in the first direction A1.

[0045] An example of the neutral stop mechanism 120 includes a locking member 121 provided on the grip collar 102, a receiving portion 122 formed on the inner surface of the grip member 32, and an elastic member 123. The convex locking member 121 is biased toward the inner surface of the grip member 32 by the elastic member 123. An example of the elastic member 123 is a compression coil spring, but a spring member in a form other than a coil spring may also be used.

[0046] An example of the receiving portion 122 is a recessed portion into which the locking member 121 can fit. When the grip member 32 is in the neutral position N, the locking member 121 and the receiving portion 122 fit together, temporarily holding the grip member 32 in the neutral position N. The locking member 121 may be a ball. The receiving portion 122 may be a recessed portion into which the ball fits. Alternatively, the locking member 121 may be provided on the grip member 32, and the receiving portion 122 may be provided on the grip collar 102.

[0047] When the grip member 32 is in the neutral position N, the neutral stop mechanism 120 temporarily holds the grip member 32 in the neutral position N. This prevents the grip member 32 from unexpectedly rotating from the neutral position N. When the grip member 32 is temporarily held in the neutral position N and the grip member 32 is turned with a force greater than the resistance force, the locking member 121 disengages from the receiving portion 122 against the elastic force of the elastic member 123. This makes it possible to rotate the grip member 32 in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2.

[0048] The operating device 33 of this embodiment has a neutral return suppression part 130 that can stop the grip member 32 just before the neutral position N. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, an example of the neutral return suppression part 130 includes a locking member 121 and a first protrusion 130a and a second protrusion 130b formed on both sides of the receiving part 122.

[0049] When the gripping member 32 returns to the neutral position N after rotating in the first direction A1 as shown in Figure 14, the gripping member 32 rotates in the direction shown by arrow A3 in Figure 15. Just before the gripping member 32 returns to the neutral position N, the first protrusion 130a comes into contact with the locking member 121 as shown in Figures 15 and 16. This causes the gripping member 32 to stop just before the neutral position N.

[0050] Therefore, for example, when operating the outboard motor 12 at low speeds, it is possible to prevent the grip members 32 from frequently returning to the neutral position N. When it is desired to move the grip members 32 to the neutral position N, the grip members 32 can be moved to the neutral position N by applying a force to the grip members 32 that overcomes the first protrusion 130a.

[0051] Conversely to the above, when the grip member 32 rotates in the second direction A2 and then returns toward the neutral position N, the second convex portion 130b comes into contact with the locking member 121 just before the grip member 32 returns to the neutral position N. This causes the grip member 32 to stop just before the neutral position N. When it is desired to move the grip member 32 to the neutral position N, the grip member 32 can be moved to the neutral position N by applying a force to the grip member 32 that overcomes the second convex portion 130b.

[0052] The operating device 33 of this embodiment has a friction mechanism 140 that can hold the grip member 32 at any rotational position. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the friction mechanism 140 taken along line F17-F17 in FIG. 3. The friction mechanism 140 has a band-shaped friction member 141 and an adjustment unit 142 for adjusting the friction force. An example of the friction member 141 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of a rotating unit 143 of the sensor base member 45. The rotating unit 143 of the sensor base member 45 rotates integrally with the shaft member 40.

[0053] The adjustment unit 142 has an operator 145 that can be rotated by the operator's fingers, and a screw member 146. The operator 145 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 30. When the operator 145 is rotated and the friction member 141 is pressed against the rotating unit 143, frictional resistance can be generated in the rotation of the shaft member 40. This makes it possible to brake the rotation of the grip member 32 as needed.

[0054] Next, the operation of the operating device 33 will be described. When the grip member 32 is in the neutral position N and the locking mechanism 50 is in the locked state shown in Figures 3 and 6, rotation of the grip member 32 is prevented. At this time, the operating part 94 protrudes outward from the side surface of the grip member 32. When the grip member 32 is in the neutral position N, the sensor 46 does not output a signal to rotate the motor 21.

[0055] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the operator pushes the operating unit 94 in the unlocking direction to move the locking member 70 to the second position. This causes the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 to enter an unlocked state in which they can rotate about the axis X1 relative to the housing 30. In the unlocked state, when the grip member 32 is rotated in the first direction A1, the motor 21 rotates in the first direction in accordance with the output of the sensor 46. This causes the propeller 24 to rotate in the first direction. Furthermore, the position of the grip member 32 is detected by the sensor 46, and the speed of the motor 21 is increased or decreased.

[0056] When the grip members 32 rotated in the first direction A1 return to the neutral position N, the neutral return suppression unit 130 can stop the grip members 32 at a position immediately before the neutral position N (before the neutral position N). This allows the motor 21 to continue rotating in the first direction in low-speed mode. For example, when operating the outboard motor 12 at a low speed in forward mode, the grip members 32 can be prevented from frequently returning to the neutral position N, improving operability. When it is desired to move the grip members 32 to the neutral position N, a force greater than the temporary holding force of the neutral return suppression unit 130 is applied to the grip members 32. This allows the grip members 32 to move from the forward side to the neutral position N.

[0057] When the grip member 32 returns to the neutral position N, the lock member 70 of the lock mechanism 50 moves to the first position due to the elastic force of the return spring 85. This causes the shaft member 40 and the lock member 70 to be fixed to the housing 30, resulting in a locked state. As a result, the grip member 32 is held in the neutral position N, and the operating portion 94 protrudes outward from the side surface of the grip member 32.

[0058] The operator pushes the operating unit 94 in the unlocking direction to move the locking member 70 to the second position. In this state, when the grip member 32 is rotated in the second direction A2, the motor 21 rotates in the second direction according to the output of the sensor 46. The position of the grip member 32 in the rotational direction is detected by the sensor 46, and the speed of the motor 21 is increased or decreased accordingly.

[0059] When the grip members 32 rotated in the second direction A2 return to the neutral position N, the neutral return suppression unit 130 can stop the grip members 32 in a position just before the neutral position N. This allows the motor 21 to continue rotating in the second direction in low-speed mode. For example, when operating the outboard motor 12 at a low speed in reverse mode, the grip members 32 can be prevented from frequently returning to the neutral position N, improving operability. When it is desired to return the grip members 32 to the neutral position N, a force greater than the temporary holding force of the neutral return suppression unit 130 is applied to the grip members 32. This allows the grip members 32 to move from the reverse side to the neutral position N.

[0060] As described above, the operating device 33 of this embodiment is provided with the neutral return suppression unit 130, and thus the grip members 32 can be temporarily held just before the neutral position N. Therefore, for example, when operating the outboard motor 12 at a low speed, the grip members 32 can be prevented from frequently returning to the neutral position N.

[0061] The operating device 33 of this embodiment has a neutral biasing mechanism 100, which can direct the grip member 32, which has rotated from the neutral position N in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2, back to the neutral position N. This makes it possible to prevent inadvertent accelerator operation, for example, when the grip member 32 is released from the hand. Furthermore, the operating device 33 is provided with a neutral stop mechanism 120, which can temporarily hold the grip member 32 in the neutral position N. This makes it possible to prevent the grip member 32 from moving in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2 against the operator's intention. Furthermore, the operating device 33 has a friction mechanism 140, which makes it possible to fix the grip member 32 in a forward or reverse position depending on the operating situation.

[0062] In carrying out the present invention, it goes without saying that the specific shapes and configurations of the elements constituting the outboard motor and the operating device can be modified in various ways. The operating device of the present invention may also be provided on a steering structure other than the tiller handle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10...vessel, 11...hull, 12...outboard motor, 20...tiller handle, X1...axis, 21...motor, 22...control unit, 24...propeller, 30...housing, 32...grip member, N...neutral position, A1...first direction, A2...second direction, 33...operating device, 40...shaft member, 45...sensor base member, 46...sensor, 50...locking mechanism, 51...lock release mechanism, 70...locking member, 71, 72...anti-rotation portion, 75...through hole, 76...rectangular protrusion, 80...convex portion, 81, 82...flat portion, 85...return spring, 90...operating unit member, 91...regulating protrusion, 91a...first portion, 91b...second portion, 92...leg portion, 92a...wall portion, 94...operating portion, 100...neutral biasing mechanism, 101...spring member, 102...grip collar, 103...spring support portion, 104...actuating portion, 111...first arm portion, 112...second arm portion, 120...neutral stop mechanism, 121...locking member, 122...receiving portion, 123...elastic member, 130...neutral return suppressing portion, 130a...first convex portion, 130b...second convex portion, 140...friction mechanism, 141...friction member, 142...adjusting portion, 145...operator.

Claims

1. a grip member rotatable relative to the housing in a first direction and a second direction about an axis; a shaft member that rotates about the axis together with the grip member and controls the rotation of the motor of the outboard motor in accordance with the position of the shaft member in the rotational direction; a locking mechanism having a locking member movable between a first position and a second position relative to the shaft member, the locking member preventing rotation of the shaft member when the locking member is moved to the first position; an unlocking mechanism having an operating member that moves the locking member to the second position when the gripping member is positioned at a neutral position around the axis; a neutral biasing mechanism that biases the gripping member toward the neutral position; An operating device for an outboard motor, comprising:

2. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, The locking mechanism is the locking member being movable relative to the shaft member between the first position and the second position in a direction along the axis and being unable to rotate about the axis relative to the shaft member; a rotation prevention portion that prevents the locking member from rotating about the axis when the locking member is in the first position and allows the locking member to rotate about the axis when the locking member is in the second position; An operating device equipped with:

3. 3. The operating device according to claim 2, the lock release mechanism has an operating member, The operating member is an operating portion that protrudes from a side surface of the grip member when the locking member is in the first position; and a leg portion that moves the locking member to the second position when the operating portion is pushed into the grip member. An operating device equipped with:

4. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, the neutral biasing mechanism has a spring member, The spring member is a wire winding portion formed by a wound wire; a first arm portion formed at one end of the wire winding portion; a second arm portion formed at the other end of the wire winding portion, and The neutral biasing mechanism is an operating unit that moves the first arm in a direction that elastically deforms the wire winding portion when the grip member is rotated in the first direction, and moves the second arm in a direction that elastically deforms the wire winding portion when the grip member is rotated in the second direction; a spring support portion that supports the first arm portion and the second arm portion; An operating device equipped with:

5. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, An operating device including a neutral stop mechanism that temporarily holds the grip member in the neutral position when the grip member is positioned in the neutral position.

6. 6. The operating device according to claim 5, The neutral stop mechanism is a locking member and a receiving portion that fit together when the gripping member is in a neutral position; an elastic member that biases the locking member toward the receiving portion when the gripping member is in a neutral position; An operating device equipped with:

7. The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising: An operating device comprising a neutral return suppression section that stops the grip member just before the neutral position when the grip member moves toward the neutral position from a state in which it has been rotated in the first direction or the second direction.

8. The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a friction mechanism that suppresses rotation of the shaft member; The friction mechanism is a friction member for applying friction to the rotation of the shaft member; an operating element disposed on the outer surface of the housing and configured to adjust the frictional force of the friction member;

9. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, The operating device is disposed on the tiller handle of an electric outboard motor.

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