Outboard motor operating device

Abstract

Provided is an operating device capable of operating a grip member with reference to a neutral position in the rotational direction. 【Solution means】An operating device 33 is provided on the tiller handle 20 of an outboard motor. The operating device 33 includes a grip member 32, a shaft member 40, a locking mechanism 50, a lock release mechanism 51, a neutral biasing mechanism 100, and the like. The grip member 32 rotates in a first direction and a second direction from the neutral position. The position of the shaft member 40 in the rotational direction is detected by a sensor, and a motor is controlled. The locking mechanism 50 includes a locking member 70 and an operating member 90, and can lock the shaft member 40 against rotation when the grip member 32 is in the neutral position. The neutral biasing mechanism 100 has a spring member 101 and biases the grip member 32 toward the neutral position.

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 Art

[0002] An electric outboard motor using an electric motor (hereinafter simply referred to as a motor) as a power source is known. An electric outboard motor having a grip portion for performing an accelerator operation or the like on a tiller handle for steering a boat is also known. For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe an electric outboard motor provided with a grip portion for controlling a motor. The rotation of the motor is controlled by the operator rotating the grip portion.

[0003] In the case of an operating device provided with a potentiometer for detecting the position of the grip portion in the rotational direction, it is possible to change the rotational speed of the motor according to the output of the potentiometer. For example, when the operator rotates the grip portion from the neutral position (neutral position) in the first direction, the motor rotates in the first direction (for example, the direction in which the boat moves forward) according to the output of the potentiometer. Then, the speed increase or decrease of the motor can be controlled according to the position (rotation angle) of the grip portion in the rotational direction.

[0004] When the grip portion is rotated from the neutral position in the second direction, the motor rotates in the second direction (for example, the direction in which the boat moves backward). Thus, it is possible to switch the rotational direction of the motor according to the rotational direction of the grip portion. In this specification, increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor of the electric outboard motor is referred to as an accelerator operation. This corresponds to the throttle operation of an internal combustion engine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In an outboard motor, generally, a motor is controlled by an electric signal output according to the rotation of a grip portion. When the rotation of the grip portion is electrically detected by a sensor, the force for rotating the grip portion is smaller than that of an engine-type outboard motor using a mechanical force transmission cable. For this reason, in an outboard motor, there is a concern that the motor may increase its speed or the rotation direction of the motor may be switched due to an unintended operation of the grip portion.

[0007] Although a mechanism has been considered to apply frictional resistance to the rotation of the grip portion so that the grip portion does not rotate inadvertently or to hold the grip portion at a predetermined rotation position, there are cases where it is difficult to operate. Against this background, it has been desired to be able to return the grip portion operated in the first direction or the second direction to the neutral position and to temporarily hold the grip at the neutral position. In this specification, "temporary holding" means a state in which the grip member is held by a certain amount of resistance when the operator releases his or her hand from the grip member or when the force for rotating the grip member is weak.

[0008] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an operation device for an outboard motor having a steering handle (tiller handle) that can direct a grip portion to a neutral position that can be a reference when an operator operates the grip portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The present invention is an operating device for an outboard motor provided on a ship, and includes a grip member, a shaft member, an operating member, and a lock member. The grip member is rotatable about an axis in a first direction and a second direction from a neutral position, and a hole is formed in an outer peripheral surface on a tip side in a direction along the axis. The shaft member is rotatable about the axis together with the grip member, and controls the rotation of a motor of the outboard motor such that the ship moves forward when the grip member rotates in the first direction from the neutral position, and the ship moves backward when the grip member rotates in the second direction from the neutral position. When not being operated, a part of the operating member protrudes from the hole in the outer peripheral surface of the grip member, and the rotation of the grip member and the shaft member from the neutral position is blocked. When the operating member is operated, the part is pushed inward in a radial direction orthogonal to the axis, and the grip member and the shaft member are brought into a rotatable state. The lock member is located on an outer side in the radial direction of the shaft member, and is movable in a direction along the axis between a first position that blocks the rotation of the grip member and the shaft member and a second position that allows the rotation of the grip member and the shaft member.

[0010] In an operating device according to one embodiment, the locking member may be movable between a first position and a second position in a direction along the axis with respect to the shaft member and may be non-rotatable about the axis with respect to the shaft member. Further, a detent portion may be provided 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. A return spring that biases the locking member from the second position toward the first position may also be provided.

[0011] The unlocking mechanism may include an operating member. This operating member may include 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.

[0012] The neutral biasing mechanism may include a spring member. This spring member includes a wire winding portion formed of 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 include an operating portion. This operating portion moves the first arm portion 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 portion 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 may also be provided.

[0014] The operating device may have a neutral stop mechanism. This neutral stop mechanism temporarily holds the grip member in the neutral position when the grip member is in the neutral position. The neutral stop mechanism may include a locking member and 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 have a neutral return suppression portion. This neutral return suppression portion stops the grip member in front of the neutral position when the grip member moves toward the neutral position from a state of rotating in the first direction or the second direction. The operating device according to one embodiment may further have a friction mechanism that suppresses the rotation of the shaft member. This friction mechanism may include a friction member for applying friction to the rotation of the shaft member, and an operator disposed on the outer surface of the housing for adjusting the frictional force of the friction member. The operating device may be disposed on the tiller handle of an outboard motor.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the operating device of the outboard motor of one embodiment, it becomes easy for the operator to operate the grip member with reference to the neutral position in the rotational direction of the grip member. In addition, since the grip member rotated in the first direction or the second direction can return to the neutral position, an unintentional throttle operation can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an operating device for an outboard motor according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17. Hereinafter, the outboard motor will be simply referred to as an outboard. The boat 10, partially shown in Fig. 1, is equipped with an outboard motor 12 disposed at the rear of the 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 (port side, starboard side) about the hinge portion 14. The outboard motor 12 is provided with a tiller handle 20 operated by the operator. By moving the tiller handle 20 left and right, the direction of the outboard motor 12 can be changed.

[0019] The outboard motor 12 has a motor 21 as a power source, a control unit 22 for controlling the motor 21, a power transmission mechanism 23, a propeller 24, etc. The 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 and rotates the propeller 24 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] Fig. 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 having a grip member 32. An example of the housing 30 is made of metal, but the material is selected as required. The housing cover 31 is, for example, made of resin, but the material is selected as required.

[0021] The grip member 32 is a part that the operator holds and can rotate about the axis X1 of the tiller handle 20. The grip member 32 can be rotated in a first direction (e.g., forward side) indicated by an arrow A1 and a second direction (e.g., backward side) indicated by an arrow A2 with the neutral position N (shown in Fig. 2) as a boundary when the operator controls the motor 21.

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section along the axis X1 of a part (the part including the operating device 33) of the tiller handle 20. The grip member 32 forms a part of the operating device 33 and includes an inner member 32a and an outer member 32b covering 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 lock 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 portion 40a and a second end portion 40b. The shaft member 40 is disposed at the rotation center of the grip member 32 and extends in a direction along the axis X1. The shaft member 40 can rotate about the axis X1 by 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 portion 40b of the shaft member 40. The sensor base member 45 rotates integrally with the shaft member 40 about the axis X1. A movable portion 46a of the sensor 46 is attached to the sensor base member 45. A fixed portion 46b of the sensor 46 is disposed to face 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 a sensor other than the potentiometer may be used. In short, any sensor that can output a signal according to the rotational position of the shaft member 40 may be used. A signal regarding the rotational position detected by the sensor 46 is output to the control unit 22 (shown in FIG. 1) via the electric cable 47. A spring 48 that biases the shaft member 40 toward the fixed portion 46b is provided on the shaft member 40.

[0026] The operating device 33 includes a lock mechanism 50 and a lock release mechanism 51. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the lock mechanism 50 and the lock release mechanism 51. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the lock mechanism 50 disassembled. Two flat portions 55, 56 parallel to each other are formed on the first end portion 40a of the shaft member 40.

[0027] The locking mechanism 50 includes a locking member 70, rotation stoppers 71, 72 formed on the housing 30, and a return spring 85. The rotation stoppers 71, 72 are parallel to each other. The locking member 70 has a through hole 75 into which the two-sided width portions 55, 56 of the shaft member 40 are inserted. The locking member 70 includes a cylindrical main body 70a, two convex portions 80 provided on the main body 70a, a rectangular protrusion 76 provided on the front end side of the main body 70a (the end portion closer to the fixing member 43), and a regulating protrusion 91. As shown in FIG. 9, the regulating protrusion 91 has a first portion 91a extending forward of the rectangular protrusion 76 and a second portion 91b extending in a direction in which the width expands in a T-shape from the tip of the first portion 91a. The through hole 75 opens on 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-sided width portions 55, 56. In a state where the two-sided width portions 55, 56 are inserted into the through hole 75, it is movable in the direction along the axis X1. An example of the locking member 70 is a slide type, and it can move to 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 with respect to the shaft member 40. Since the two-sided 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 with respect to the shaft member 40.

[0029] Convex portions 80 are formed on the outer periphery of the locking member 70. On the convex portions 80, flat portions 81, 82 parallel to each other are formed. The flat portions 81, 82 have a shape corresponding to the rotation stoppers 71, 72 formed on the housing 30. Regarding the position around the axis X1, when the flat portions 81, 82 correspond to the rotation stoppers 71, 72, the rotation stoppers 71, 72 and the flat portions 81, 82 can be fitted to each other.

[0030] In a state where the flat portions 81, 82 and the rotation stoppers 71, 72 are fitted to each other, the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 cannot rotate around the axis X1 with respect to the housing 30. That is, the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 are in a locked state with respect to the housing 30, and the grip member 32 is fixed.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a plan view when the lock member 70 moves to the first position and the shaft member 40 and the lock member 70 are in a locked state. As shown in FIG. 6, when the lock member 70 moves to the first position (lock position), since the flat portions 81, 82 enter between the rotation prevention portions 71, 72, the rotation of the lock member 70 with respect to the housing 30 is blocked. When the rotation of the lock member 70 is blocked, the rotation of the shaft member 40 and the grip member 32 is blocked, and a locked state is achieved. The lock member 70 is biased toward the lock position by a return spring 85.

[0032] In a state where the flat portions 81, 82 are positioned between the rotation prevention portions 71, 72, the lock member 70 can move in a direction along the axis X1 with respect to the housing 30. When the lock member 70 moves to the second position (unlock position) along the axis X1 and the flat portions 81, 82 come out of the rotation prevention portions 71, 72, the shaft member 40 and the lock member 70 can rotate around the axis X1. That is, the shaft member 40 and the lock member 70 are in an unlocked state.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a plan view when the shaft member 40 and the lock member 70 are in an unlocked state. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view when the shaft member 40 and the lock member 70 are in an unlocked state. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the lock mechanism 50 and the unlocking mechanism 51. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the lock member 70 moves to the second position (unlock position), since the flat portions 81, 82 come out of the rotation prevention portions 71, 72, the grip member 32, the shaft member 40, and the lock member 70 can rotate around the axis X1.

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

[0035] When the operator pushes the operating portion 94 inward toward the grip member 32 in the unlocking direction, the operating member 90 rotates about the axis 95. When the operating member 90 rotates about the axis 95, the leg portion 92 presses the square projection 76. When the square projection 76 is pressed, the locking member 70 moves in the direction along the axis X1 and moves to the second position (shown in FIGS. 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 can rotate about the axis X1.

[0036] When the grip member 32 rotates about the axis X1 in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2, 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 according 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 the position about the axis X1. For this reason, the locking member 70 does not return to the first position (locked position), and the unlocked state is maintained. When the unlocked state is maintained in this way, as shown in FIG. 9, the second portion 91b of the regulating projection 91 can press the wall portion 92a on the rear end side of the leg portion 92. For this reason, the operating member 90 is restricted from moving in the direction indicated by the arrow R1 about the axis 95, that is, the operating member 90 is restricted from returning to the locked position.

[0037] When the grip member 32 returns to the neutral position N, with respect to the position around the axis X1, the flat portions 81, 82 of the lock member 70 coincide with the anti-rotation portions 71, 72. For this reason, the lock member 70 can move in the direction along the axis X1. The lock member 70 moves in the direction along the axis X1 toward the first position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) by the elastic force of the return spring 85. When the lock member 70 returns to the first position, the operation portion 94 protrudes outside the grip member 32.

[0038] The operating device 33 of the present 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 part 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 operating 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 arranged so as to surround a part 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 inside the grip member 32.

[0040] The first arm portion 111 is locked to the first surface 103a of the spring support portion 103. The second arm portion 112 is locked to 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 arranged between the first arm portion 111 and the second arm portion 112.

[0041] In FIG. 11, when the grip member 32 rotates in the first direction A1, with the second arm portion 112 supported by the spring support portion 103, the first arm portion 111 is moved in the first direction A1 by the actuating portion 104. For this reason, the wire winding portion 110 is elastically deformed, and due to the elastic energy of bending, the grip member 32 is biased toward the neutral position N.

[0042] In FIG. 11, when the grip member 32 rotates in the second direction A2, with the first arm portion 111 supported by the spring support portion 103, the second arm portion 112 is moved in the second direction A2 by the actuating portion 104. For this reason, the wire winding portion 110 is elastically deformed, and due to the elastic energy of bending, the grip member 32 is biased toward the neutral position N.

[0043] The operating device 33 of the present embodiment has a neutral stop mechanism 120 capable of temporarily holding the grip member 32 at the neutral position N. In this specification, "temporarily holding" means a state in which the grip member 32 is held by a certain amount of resistance when the operator releases his or her hand from the grip member 32 or when the force for rotating 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 rotates 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 part 122 has a concave shape into which the locking member 121 can be fitted. When the grip member 32 is at the neutral position N, the locking member 121 and the receiving part 122 are fitted to each other, whereby the grip member 32 is temporarily held at the neutral position N. Note that the locking member 121 may be a ball. The receiving part 122 may be a recess that fits with the ball. Alternatively, the locking member 121 may be provided on the grip member 32, and the receiving part 122 may be provided on the grip collar 102.

[0047] When the grip member 32 is at the neutral position N, the grip member 32 is temporarily held at the neutral position N by the neutral stop mechanism 120. Therefore, the grip member 32 is prevented from rotating unexpectedly from the neutral position N. When the grip member 32 is rotated with a force greater than the resistance force in the state where the grip member 32 is temporarily held at the neutral position N, the locking member 121 disengages from the receiving part 122 against the elastic force of the elastic member 123. Thereby, the grip member 32 can be rotated in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2.

[0048] The operating device 33 of the present embodiment has a neutral return suppression part 130 that can stop the grip member 32 immediately 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, a first convex part 130a and a second convex part 130b formed on both sides of the receiving part 122.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 14, after the grip member 32 rotates in the first direction A1 and then returns in the direction of the neutral position N, the grip member 32 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow A3 in FIG. 15. Immediately before the grip member 32 returns to the neutral position N, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first convex part 130a contacts the locking member 121. Thereby, the grip member 32 stops immediately before the neutral position N.

[0050] For this reason, for example, when it is desired to operate the outboard motor 12 in a low speed range, it is possible to prevent the grip member 32 from frequently returning to 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 to overcome the first convex portion 130a.

[0051] Conversely, when the grip member 32 rotates in the second direction A2 and then returns in the direction of the neutral position N, just before the grip member 32 returns to the neutral position N, the second convex portion 130b comes into contact with the locking member 121. As a result, the grip member 32 stops 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 to overcome the second convex portion 130b.

[0052] The operating device 33 of the present embodiment has a friction mechanism 140 capable of holding the grip member 32 at an arbitrary 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 portion 142 for adjusting the frictional force. An example of the friction member 141 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating portion 143 of the sensor base member 45. The rotating portion 143 of the sensor base member 45 rotates integrally with the shaft member 40.

[0053] The adjustment portion 142 has an operating element 145 that can be rotated by the operator's finger and a screw member 146. The operating element 145 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 30. By rotating the operating element 145 and pressing the friction member 141 against the rotating portion 143, frictional resistance can be generated to the rotation of the shaft member 40. For this reason, braking can be applied to the rotation of the grip member 32 as necessary.

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

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the operator presses the operation portion 94 in the unlocking direction to move the lock member 70 to the second position, the shaft member 40 and the lock member 70 are in an unlocked state in which they can rotate about the axis X1 with respect 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 response to the output of the sensor 46. As a result, the propeller 24 rotates in the first direction. Further, since the position of the grip member 32 is detected by the sensor 46, the speed of the motor 21 is increased or decreased.

[0056] When the grip member 32 rotated in the first direction A1 returns to the neutral position N, the neutral return suppression portion 130 can stop the grip member 32 at a position immediately before the neutral position N (in front of the neutral position N). Therefore, the motor 21 can be continuously rotated in the first direction in the low speed mode. For example, when it is desired to operate the outboard motor 12 in the low speed range of the forward mode, it is possible to avoid the grip member 32 frequently returning to the neutral position N, and the operability is improved. When it is desired to move the grip member 32 to the neutral position N, a force exceeding the temporary holding force by the neutral return suppression portion 130 is applied to the grip member 32. By doing so, the grip member 32 can be moved 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 locking mechanism 50 moves to the first position by the elastic force of the return spring 85. As a result, the shaft member 40 and the lock member 70 are fixed to the housing 30, and the locked state is established. Therefore, the grip member 32 is held at the neutral position N, and the operation portion 94 protrudes outward from the side surface of the grip member 32.

[0058] The operator presses the operation 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 rotational position of the grip member 32 is detected by the sensor 46, and the motor 21 is speeded up or decelerated.

[0059] When the grip member 32 rotated in the second direction A2 returns to the neutral position N, the neutral return suppression unit 130 can stop the grip member 32 at a position immediately before the neutral position N. Therefore, the motor 21 can be continuously rotated in the second direction in the low-speed mode. For example, when it is desired to operate the outboard motor 12 in the low-speed range of the reverse mode, it is possible to avoid the grip member 32 frequently returning to the neutral position N, and the operability is improved. When it is desired to return the grip member 32 to the neutral position N, a force exceeding the temporary holding force by the neutral return suppression unit 130 is applied to the grip member 32. By doing so, the grip member 32 can be moved from the reverse side to the neutral position N.

[0060] As described above, since the operation device 33 of the present embodiment includes the neutral return suppression unit 130, the grip member 32 can be temporarily held immediately before the neutral position N. Therefore, for example, when it is desired to operate the outboard motor 12 in the low-speed range, it is possible to avoid the grip member 32 frequently returning to the neutral position N.

[0061] The operating device 33 of this embodiment has a neutral biasing mechanism 100, and can direct the grip member 32 rotated from the neutral position N in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2 toward the neutral position N. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an accidental accelerator operation when the hand is released from the grip member 32. Further, since the operating device 33 is provided with a neutral stop mechanism 120, the grip member 32 can be temporarily held at the neutral position N. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the grip member 32 from moving in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2 contrary to the intention of the operator. Furthermore, since the operating device 33 has a friction mechanism 140, the grip member 32 can be fixed at a forward position or a backward position according to the situation of ship operation.

[0062] Needless to say, when implementing the present invention, the specific shapes and configurations of the elements constituting the outboard motor and the operating device can be variously changed. Further, the operating device of the present invention may be provided on a steering structure other than the tiller handle.

Explanation of Signs

[0063] 10…Ship, 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…Lock mechanism, 51…Lock release mechanism, 70…Lock member, 71, 72…Anti-rotation parts, 75…Through hole, 76…Angular protrusion, 80…Protrusion, 81, 82…Flat parts, 85…Return spring, 90…Operating member, 91…Regulating protrusion, 91a…First part, 91b…Second part, 92…Leg part, 92a…Wall part, 94…Operating part, 100…Neutral biasing mechanism, 101…Spring member, 102…Grip collar, 103…Spring support part, 104…Actuating part, 111…First arm part, 112…Second arm part, 120…Neutral stop mechanism, 121…Locking member, 122…Receiving part, 123…Elastic member, 130…Neutral return suppression part, 130a…First protrusion, 130b…Second protrusion, 140…Friction mechanism, 141…Friction member, 142…Adjusting part, 145…Operator.

Claims

Claim 1. An outboard motor operating device provided on a ship, comprising: a grip member rotatable about an axis in a first direction and a second direction from a neutral position, and having a hole formed in an outer peripheral surface on a tip side in a direction along the axis; a shaft member rotatable about the axis together with the grip member, and controlling rotation of a motor of the outboard motor such that the ship moves forward when the grip member rotates in the first direction from the neutral position, and the ship moves backward when the grip member rotates in the second direction from the neutral position; an operating member, when not operated, having a part protruding from the hole in the outer peripheral surface of the grip member and being in a state where rotation of the grip member and the shaft member from the neutral position is blocked, and when operated, the part being pushed inward in a radial direction orthogonal to the axis and putting the grip member and the shaft member in a rotatable state; a lock member located outside the shaft member in the radial direction, and movable in a direction along the axis between a first position for blocking rotation of the grip member and the shaft member and a second position for allowing rotation of the grip member and the shaft member; An outboard motor operating device, characterized by comprising the above components.

2. In the operating device according to Claim 1, the operating member includes an operating portion protruding from the hole in the outer peripheral surface of the grip member when the lock member is in the first position; and a leg portion that moves the lock member to the second position by pressing a part of the lock member toward a proximal end side in a direction along the axis when the operating portion is pushed inward in the radial direction, wherein an operating surface of the operating portion is inclined to protrude with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the grip member when the lock member is in the first position, and is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the grip member when the lock member is in the second position, and the operating member is movable about an axis.

3. In the operating device according to Claim 1, further comprising a housing extending in a direction along the axis and having a portion located inside the grip member in the radial direction, wherein the lock member is non-rotatable about the axis with respect to the shaft member, The housing includes a detent mechanism that prevents the lock member from rotating about the axis when the lock member is in the first position, and allows the lock member to rotate about the axis together with the shaft member when the lock member is in the second position.

4. In the operating device according to claim 1, further, it includes a neutral biasing mechanism having a spring member that biases the grip member toward the neutral position, wherein the spring member has a wire winding portion formed of 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, and the neutral biasing mechanism has an operating portion that moves the first arm portion in a direction to elastically deform the wire winding portion when the grip member rotates in the first direction, and moves the second arm portion in a direction to elastically deform the wire winding portion when the grip member rotates in the second direction, and a spring support portion that supports the first arm portion and the second arm portion, and is an operating device.

5. In the operating device according to claim 1, it includes a neutral stop mechanism that temporarily holds the grip member in the neutral position by fitting a locking member and a receiving portion with each other when the grip member is in the neutral position.

6. In the operating device according to claim 5, the neutral stop mechanism includes the locking member and the receiving portion that fit with each other when the grip member is in the neutral position, and an elastic member that biases the locking member toward the receiving portion when the grip member is in the neutral position, and is an operating device.

7. In the operating device according to claim 1, further, it includes a neutral return suppression portion that stops the grip member in front of the neutral position when the grip member moves from a state of rotating in the first direction or the second direction toward the neutral position.

8. In the operating device according to claim 1, further, it has a housing that extends in a direction along the axis and has a portion located inside the grip member in the radial direction and a portion on the proximal side in the direction along the axis with respect to the grip member, and a friction mechanism that suppresses rotation of the shaft member, wherein the friction mechanism has a friction member for applying friction to the rotation of the shaft member, An operating device comprising an operator that is disposed on an outer surface of a portion of the housing on the proximal end side of the grip member and that adjusts the frictional force of the friction member.

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

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