Operation device for outboard motor

Abstract

This operation device (20) for an outboard motor comprises a grip member (32), a shaft member (40) that controls the rotation of a motor (21), a lock member (70) movable in a direction along an axis (X1), and an operation member (90). When the operation member (90) is not operated, a portion of the operation member (90) protrudes from a hole (93) of an outer peripheral surface (32c) of the grip member (32) to the outside of the grip member (32). When the operation member (90) is operated, the portion of the operation member (90) is pushed toward the inside of the grip member (32), putting the grip member (32) and the shaft member (40) into a rotatable state. The lock member (70) is positioned on the outer side of the shaft member (40) in the radial direction, and is movable between a first position for preventing the rotation of the grip member (32) and the shaft member (40), and a second position for allowing the rotation of the grip member (32) and the shaft member (40).

Description

Outboard motor operating device

[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 member.

[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 portion on a tiller handle for operating the accelerator and the like are also known. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose electric outboard motors that have a grip portion for controlling the motor. The operator controls the rotation of the motor by rotating the grip portion.

[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 a direction that moves the boat forward according to the output of the potentiometer. The motor speed can then 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 a direction that moves the boat backward, for example. 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, which is equivalent to operating the throttle of an internal combustion engine.

[0005] JP 2013-136349 A JP 2014-046745 A

[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 that provide frictional resistance to the rotation of the grip member to prevent it from rotating unintentionally, or that 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 a neutral position, and to temporarily hold the grip member 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 that can prevent erroneous operation and improve safety without impairing the operability of the grip member for the boat operator.

[0009] One embodiment is an outboard motor operating device for a boat, comprising a grip member, a shaft member, an operating member, and a lock member. The grip member is rotatable from a neutral position about an axis in a first direction and a second direction, and has a hole formed on its outer peripheral surface at its tip end in the direction along the axis. The shaft member is rotatable about the axis together with the grip member, and controls rotation of the motor of the outboard motor so that the boat moves forward when the grip member rotates in the first direction from the neutral position, and moves reverse when the grip member rotates in the second direction from the neutral position. When not operated, a portion of the operating member protrudes from the hole on the outer peripheral surface of the grip member, preventing rotation of the grip member and the shaft member from the neutral position. When operated, the portion of the operating member is pushed radially inward in a direction perpendicular to the axis, allowing the grip member and the shaft member to rotate. The locking member is located radially outside the shaft member and is movable along the axis between a first position that prevents rotation of the gripping member and the shaft member and a second position that allows rotation of the gripping member and the shaft member.

[0010] The operating member may include, for example, an operating portion that protrudes from the hole in the outer peripheral surface of the grip member when the locking member is in the first position, and a leg portion that, when the operating portion is pushed radially inward, presses a portion of the locking member toward the base end in the direction along the axis, thereby moving the locking member to the second position. The operating member is movable about its axis so that an operating surface of the operating portion protrudes and is inclined relative to the outer peripheral surface of the grip member when the locking member is in the first position, and is oriented along the outer peripheral surface of the grip member when the locking member is in the second position.

[0011] The operating device of the above embodiment may further include a housing extending along the axis and having a portion located radially inward of the grip member. The locking member is unable to rotate about the axis relative to the shaft member. The housing may include a rotation prevention portion. The rotation prevention portion 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 together with the shaft member when the locking member is in the second position.

[0012] The operating device of the above embodiment may further include a neutral biasing mechanism having a spring member that biases the grip member toward the neutral position. The spring member may have a wire winding portion made of a wound wire, a first arm formed at one end of the wire winding portion, and a second arm formed at the other end of the wire winding portion. The neutral biasing mechanism may further include an actuator and a spring support portion that supports the first arm and the second arm. The actuator 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.

[0013] The operating device of the above embodiment may further include a neutral stop mechanism. This neutral stop mechanism temporarily holds the gripping member in the neutral position by fitting a locking member and a receiving portion together when the gripping member is in the neutral position. The neutral stop mechanism may also include the locking member and the receiving portion that fit together when the gripping member is in the neutral position, and an elastic member that biases the locking member toward the receiving portion when the gripping member is in the neutral position.

[0014] The operating device of the above embodiment may include a neutral return suppression unit that stops the grip member just before the neutral position when the grip member moves toward the neutral position from a state in which the grip member has rotated in the first direction or the second direction.

[0015] The operating device of the above embodiment may also include a housing extending in a direction along the axis and a friction mechanism that suppresses rotation of the shaft member. The housing may have a portion located radially inward of the grip member and a portion located closer to the base end in the direction along the axis than the grip member. The friction mechanism may include a friction member that applies friction to the rotation of the shaft member and an operator that adjusts the friction force of the friction member. The operator may be disposed on the outer surface of the portion of the housing that is closer to the base end than the grip member. The operating device may be a tiller handle for an outboard motor.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the outboard motor operating device, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation and improve safety without impairing the operability of the grip member for the operator.

[0017] 1. A side view showing a portion of a boat equipped with an outboard motor. 2. A perspective view of a tiller handle as an operating device for the outboard motor shown in FIG. 1. 3. A cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in FIG. 2. 4. A perspective view of a portion of the operating device shown in FIG. 3. 5. A perspective view of a portion of the operating device, exploded. 6. A plan view of the operating device when it is in a locked state. 7. A plan view of the operating device when it is in an unlocked state. 8. A cross-sectional view of the operating device when it is in an unlocked state. 9. A perspective view of a portion of the locking mechanism and unlocking mechanism of the operating device. 10. A perspective view of a neutral biasing mechanism in a portion of the operating device. 11. A cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line F11-F11 in FIG. 3. 12. A cross-sectional view of a portion of the operating device including a neutral stop mechanism. 13. A cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line F13-F13 in FIG. 3. 14. A cross-sectional view of the operating device showing a state in which the grip member has rotated in a first direction from the neutral position. 15. 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. 16. A front view of an enlarged portion of the operating device shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line F17-F17 in FIG. 3 .

[0018] An operating device for an electric outboard motor according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 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 disposed 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 the starboard side) around a hinge portion 14. The outboard motor 12 is equipped with an operating device 20 in the form of a tiller handle operated by the boat operator. The direction of the outboard motor 12 can be changed by moving the operating device 20, which functions as a tiller handle, 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 DC current supplied from a battery 25, causing the propeller 24 to rotate. For example, when the propeller 24 rotates clockwise, the hull 11 moves forward, and when the propeller 24 rotates counterclockwise, the hull 11 moves backward. Conversely, when the propeller 24 rotates clockwise, the hull 11 moves backward, and when the propeller 24 rotates counterclockwise, the hull 11 may move forward.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operating device 20 serving as a tiller handle. The operating device 20 mainly comprises a housing 30, a housing cover 31, and a grip member 32. The housing 30 extends in a direction along the axis X1 and has a portion located radially inward of the grip member 32 and a portion located closer to the base end in a direction along the axis X1 than the grip member 32. The housing cover 31 covers the upper side of the base end portion of the housing 30. 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. As will be described later, a friction mechanism 140 having an operator 145 is attached to the housing 30.

[0021] The grip member 32 is a part that is gripped by the boat operator and can rotate about the axis X1 of the operating device 20. When the boat operator controls the motor 21, the grip member 32 can be rotated in a first direction indicated by arrow A1 and a second direction indicated by arrow A2, with the neutral position N (shown in FIG. 2) as the boundary. When the boat operator rotates the grip member 32 from the neutral position N in the first direction, the outboard motor 12 controls the rotation of the motor 21 to move the hull 11 forward. When the boat operator rotates the grip member 32 from the neutral position N in the second direction, the outboard motor 12 controls the rotation of the motor 21 to move the hull 11 backward. An operating member 90 and a grip collar 102 are attached to the grip member 32.

[0022] 3 shows a cross section of the operating device 20 taken along the axis X1. The grip member 32 forms part of the tiller handle (operating device 20) 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 material so that it is easy for the operator to grip. A hole 93 is formed in the outer peripheral surface 32c of the grip member 32 on the tip side in the direction along the axis X1.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3 , the operating device 20 in the form of a tiller handle includes a shaft member 40, a locking member 70, a return 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 relative to the housing 30 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 pin-shaped 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 be used. In short, any sensor that can output a signal corresponding to the rotational position of the shaft member 40 may be used. 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.

[0026] The shaft member 40 rotates about the axis X1 together with the grip member 32, and the shaft member 40 controls the rotation of the motor 21. Specifically, when the grip member 32 rotates in a first direction from the neutral position N, the rotation direction and rotation position of the shaft member 40 are output to the control unit 22, which causes the control unit 22 to rotate the motor 21 and move the boat 10 forward. On the other hand, when the grip member 32 rotates in a second direction from the neutral position N, the rotation direction and rotation position of the shaft member 40 are output to the control unit 22, which causes the control unit 22 to rotate the motor 21 and move the boat 11 backward.

[0027] In the inner portion of the grip member 32 on the distal end side of the housing 30, one side in the circumferential direction (the upper side in FIG. 3 ) is cut out on the base end side of the first bearing member 41. The other side in the circumferential direction (the lower side in FIG. 3 ) is cut out on the distal end side of the first bearing member 41. A spring 48 that urges the shaft member 40 toward the fixed portion 46 b is attached to the shaft member 40 on the proximal end side of the first bearing member 41. A return spring 85 that urges the shaft member 40 toward the distal end side is attached between the first bearing member 41 and the locking member 70 on the distal end side of the shaft member 40.

[0028] The operating device 20 in the form of a tiller handle includes a locking mechanism 50 and an unlocking mechanism 51. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the locking mechanism 50 and the unlocking mechanism 51. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism 50. Width across flat portions 55, 56 that are parallel to each other are formed at the first end 40a of the shaft member 40.

[0029] 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 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. In the locking mechanism 50, the opposing surfaces of the two anti-rotation portions 71 and 72 are parallel to each other.

[0030] The locking member 70 is located radially outward of the shaft member 40 and has a through-hole 75 into which the two-flat portions 55, 56 of the shaft member 40 are inserted. The locking member 70 includes a cylindrical main body 70a, two expanded diameter 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 closer to the fixing 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 in a T-shape from the tip of the first portion 91a in a direction widening in width. The through-hole 75 opens in the end face of the rectangular protrusion 76.

[0031] The through-hole 75 of the locking member 70 has an elliptical shape formed by combining two semicircles and two straight lines corresponding to the two-face width portions 55, 56. When the shaft member 40 is inserted into the through-hole 75, the two-face width portions 55, 56 face the straight surfaces 75a, 75b (shown in FIG. 5 ) of the ellipse, so the locking member 70 cannot rotate around the axis X1 relative to the shaft member 40. When the two-face width portions 55, 56 are inserted into the through-hole 75, they can move relative to each other in directions along the axis X1.

[0032] An example of the locking member 70 is a sliding type that 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 ) along the axis X1. The first position is a position that prevents rotation of the gripping member 32 and the shaft member 40. The second position is a position that allows rotation of the gripping member 32 and the shaft member 40.

[0033] Two bulged diameter portions 80 are formed on the locking member 70. Parallel flat surface portions 81, 82 are formed on the bulged diameter portion 80. The flat surface portions 81, 82 have shapes corresponding to the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 formed on the housing 30. Two pairs of anti-rotation portions 71, 72 are formed at the tip of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 30 so as to protrude toward the inner diameter side. A recessed groove 73 is formed between the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 in the direction along the axis X1, and an inner wall surface 74 is formed on the base end side of the anti-rotation portions on the base end side.

[0034] The anti-rotation portions 71, 72 prevent the locking member 70 from rotating about the axis X1 when the locking member 70 is in the first position, and allow the locking member 70 to rotate about the axis X1 when the locking member 70 is in the second position. More specifically, when the locking member 70 moves so that the flat surfaces 81, 82 face the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 in the direction along the axis X1, the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 and the flat surfaces 81, 82 can fit together.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The operating member 90, which is part of the lock release mechanism 51, is a so-called neutral lock switch that prevents rotation of the grip member 32 and the shaft member 40 unless pressed. In other words, the neutral lock switch is a safety member that prevents the motor 21 from issuing a command to move forward or backward. The operating member 90 has a pair of legs 92 that sandwich the second portion 91b of the restricting protrusion 91 of the lock member 70, and an operating part 94 that protrudes outward from a hole 93 in the grip member 32.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the locking member 70 when it is in the first position and the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 are locked. When the locking member 70 is in the first position (locked position) as shown in FIG. 6 , the flat surfaces 81 and 82 face the anti-rotation portions 71 and 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 and the entire operating device 20 being in a neutral lock state. The locking member 70 is biased toward the locked position by a return spring 85. In this embodiment, unless the operating member 90, which serves as the neutral lock switch, is operated, the grip member 32 will not rotate and the motor 21 of the outboard motor 12 will not operate. This prevents unintended operation errors and enhances the safety of the outboard motor 12 and the operating device 20.

[0038] With the flat surfaces 81, 82 positioned between the anti-rotation portions 71, 72, the locking member 70 can move relative to the housing 30 in a direction along the axis X1. The locking member 70 moves along the axis X1 to a second position (unlocked position), and the flat surfaces 81, 82 disengage from the anti-rotation portions 71, 72. When the distal expanded diameter portion 80 faces the recessed groove 73 between the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 and the proximal expanded diameter portion 80 faces the inner wall surface 74 located closer to the proximal end than the anti-rotation portions 71, 72, the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 can rotate about the axis X1. In other words, the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 are in an unlocked state, and the operating device 20 as a whole is in a neutral unlocked state.

[0039] 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 showing a part of the locking mechanism 50 and the unlocking mechanism 51.

[0040] When the operating member 90 is not operated, an operating portion 94, which is a part of the operating member 90, protrudes from a hole 93 in the outer peripheral surface 32c of the grip member 32, and rotation of the grip member 32 and the shaft member 40 from their neutral positions is prevented. When the operating member 90 is operated, the operating portion 94 is pushed radially inward in a direction perpendicular to the axis X1. When the grip member 32 and the shaft member 40 are operated, the operating portion 94 is pushed radially inward, and the locking member 70 moves to the second position (unlocked position).

[0041] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the locking member 70 moves to the second position (unlocked position), the flat portions 81, 82 disengage from the anti-rotation portions 71, 72, and the gripping member 32, the shaft member 40, and the locking member 70 become rotatable around the axis X1.

[0042] The operating member 90 can move around an axis 95, such as a pin, supported and fixed to the grip member 32, 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 portion 94 protrudes outward from a hole 93 in the outer peripheral surface 32c of the grip member 32. When the locking member 70 is in the first position, the operating surface 94a of the operating portion 94 protrudes and is inclined relative to the outer peripheral surface 32c of the grip member 32.

[0043] 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 shaft 95, and the operating surface 94a of the operating portion 94 is oriented along the outer peripheral surface 32c of the grip member 32. When the operating member 90 rotates (swings) about the shaft 95, the leg 92 presses the rectangular protrusion 76 of the locking member 70. As the rectangular protrusion 76 is pressed, the locking member 70 moves toward the base end in the direction along the axis X1 and 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 become rotatable about the axis X1.

[0044] When the grip member 32 rotates in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2 around the axis X1, the position of the shaft member 40 in the rotational direction is detected by the sensor 46. A 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 accordance with the signal output from the sensor 46. When the grip member 32 is in a position other than the neutral position N, in the expanded diameter portion 80 that faces the recessed groove 73 and the inner wall surface 74 of the housing 30 in the direction along the axis X1, the flat surfaces 81, 82 do not coincide with the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 in terms of position around the axis X1.

[0045] As a result, the locking member 70 does not return to the first position (locked position), and the unlocked state is maintained. Note that, when the unlocked state is maintained in this manner, as shown in Figure 9, the second portion 91b of the restricting protrusion 91 of the locking member 70 can press against the wall portion 92a on the rear end side of the leg portion 92 of the operating member 90. This restricts the operating member 90 from moving in the direction indicated by arrow R1 around the shaft 95, i.e., restricts the operating member 90 from returning to the locked state position.

[0046] When the grip member 32 returns to the neutral position N, the flat surfaces 81, 82 of the locking member 70 align with the anti-rotation portions 71, 72 around the axis X1 at the expanded diameter portion 80, which faces the recessed groove 73 and the inner wall surface 74 of the housing 30. This allows the locking member 70 to move along the axis X1. The elastic force of the return spring 85 causes the locking member 70 to move along the axis X1 toward the first position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 6). When the locking member 70 returns to the first position, the operating member 90 swings, and the operating portion 94 protrudes outward from the grip member 32.

[0047] As such, the operating member 90 can be freely extended and retracted in a direction intersecting the axis X1 relative to the outer peripheral surface 32c of the distal end of the grip member 32 in a direction along the axis X1. This allows the neutral lock release operation of the operating member 90 to be performed with one hand while gripping the grip member 32. Unlike, for example, operating a neutral lock switch with the hand opposite the one gripping the grip member 32 or operating a switch by shifting the hand gripping the grip member 32 in a direction along the axis X1, the boat operator can intuitively operate the operating member 90 and further rotate the grip member 32 without changing their body position. Because this operation can be completed with one hand while gripping the grip member 32, the boat operator can concentrate on the operation without looking away. As a result, the operating device 20 of this embodiment prevents erroneous operation and enhances safety without impairing the operator's operability of the grip member 32.

[0048] The operating device 20 serving as a tiller handle 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 20 showing the neutral biasing mechanism 100. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device 20 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 actuating portion 104 provided on the grip member 32. The base end portion of the housing 30, which is exposed to the outside and extends along the axis X1, has a larger diameter than the tip end portion located radially inward of the grip member 32. The grip collar 102 is made of, for example, resin and is fixed to the tip end portion of the housing 30. The spring support portion 103 is provided on the grip collar 102.

[0049] 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 distal end side 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 actuating portion 104 has a convex shape on the inner circumferential surface of the base end side of the grip member 32.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 grip member 32 is urged toward the neutral position N by the elastic energy of bending.

[0053] The operating device 20 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.

[0054] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a portion of the operating device 20 including the neutral stop mechanism 120. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the operating device 20 taken along line F13-F13 in Fig. 3. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device 20 showing a state in which the grip member 32 has rotated in the first direction A1.

[0055] 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. When the grip member 32 is in the neutral position, the neutral stop mechanism 120 temporarily holds the grip member 32 in the neutral position by fitting the locking member 121 and the receiving portion 122 together. 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 rotated 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.

[0058] The operating device 20 of this embodiment has a neutral return suppression unit 130 that can stop the grip member 32 just before the neutral position N. As shown in Figures 14 to 16, an example of the neutral return suppression unit 130 includes a locking member 121 and a first convex portion 130a and a second convex portion 130b formed on both sides of the receiving portion 122.

[0059] As shown in Figure 14, when the gripping member 32 returns to the neutral position N after rotating in the first direction A1, the gripping member 32 rotates in the direction indicated 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.

[0060] 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 protrusions 130a.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The operating device 20 of this embodiment has a friction mechanism 140 that can hold the grip member 32 at any rotational position. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the friction mechanism 140 taken along line F17-F17 in Figure 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 circumferential surface of the 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.

[0063] 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 at a portion closer to the base end than the grip member 32. When the operator 145 is rotated to press the friction member 141 against the rotating portion 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.

[0064] Next, the operation of the operating device 20 as a tiller handle 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 outer peripheral surface 32c 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.

[0065] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the operator pushes the operating portion 94 in the unlocking direction to move the locking member 70 to the second position. This brings the boat into an unlocked state in which the shaft member 40 and the locking member 70 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.

[0066] 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 be moved from the forward side to the neutral position N.

[0067] 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 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 enter 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 outer circumferential surface 32c of the grip member 32.

[0068] The operator pushes the operating portion 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.

[0069] 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 at 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.

[0070] As described above, the operating device 20 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.

[0071] The operating device 20 of this embodiment has a neutral biasing mechanism 100, which can return the grip member 32, which has rotated from the neutral position N in the first direction A1 or the second direction A2, to the neutral position N. This prevents accidental accelerator operation, for example, when the grip member 32 is released from the hand. Furthermore, the operating device 20 is provided with a neutral stop mechanism 120, which can temporarily hold the grip member 32 in the neutral position N. This prevents 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 20 has a friction mechanism 140, which can fix the grip member 32 in a forward or reverse position depending on the operating situation.

[0072] It goes without saying that the specific shapes and configurations of the elements constituting the outboard motor and operating device can be modified in various ways in order to put the present invention into practice. The operating device of the present invention may also be provided on a steering structure other than a tiller handle.

[0073] 10...ship, 11...hull, 12...outboard motor, 20...operating device, X1...axis, 21...motor, 22...controller, 24...propeller, 30...housing, 32...grip member, N...neutral position, A1...first direction, A2...second direction, 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...bulged portion, 81, 82...flat portion, 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 suppressing part, 130a...first convex part, 130b...second convex part, 140...friction mechanism, 141...friction member, 142...adjusting part, 145...operator.

Claims

1. An operating device (20) for an outboard motor (12) installed on a boat, comprising: a grip member (32) rotatable from a neutral position in a first direction (A1) and a second direction (A2) about an axis (X1) and having a hole (93) formed in an outer peripheral surface (32c) on the tip side in the direction along the axis (X1); and a shaft member (40) rotatable together with the grip member (32) about the axis (X1) and controlling the rotation of a motor (21) of the outboard motor (12) so that the boat moves forward when the grip member (32) rotates in the first direction (A1) from the neutral position and moves backward when the grip member (32) rotates in the second direction (A2) from the neutral position. an operating member (90) that, when not operated, has a portion protruding from the hole (93) in the outer peripheral surface (32c) of the grip member (32) and preventing rotation of the grip member (32) and the shaft member (40) from the neutral position, and, when operated, has a portion pushed radially inwardly perpendicular to the axis (X1) and makes the grip member (32) and the shaft member (40) rotatable; and a locking member (70) that is located radially outward of the shaft member (40) and is movable in a direction along the axis (X1) between a first position that prevents rotation of the grip member (32) and the shaft member (40) and a second position that allows rotation of the grip member (32) and the shaft member (40).

2. The operating device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the operating member (90) comprises: an operating portion (94) that protrudes from the hole (93) in the outer peripheral surface (32c) of the grip member (32) when the locking member (70) is in the first position; and a leg portion that, when the operating portion (94) is pushed radially inward, presses a part of the locking member (70) toward the base end in a direction along the axis (X1), thereby moving the locking member (70) to the second position; and the operating member (90) is movable about an axis (95) so that an operating surface (94a) of the operating portion (94) is oriented to protrude and incline relative to the outer peripheral surface (32c) of the grip member (32) when the locking member (70) is in the first position, and is oriented along the outer peripheral surface (32c) of the grip member (32) when the locking member (70) is in the second position.

3. An operating device (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (30) extending in a direction along the axis (X1) and having a portion located radially inward of the grip member (32), wherein the locking member (70) is unable to rotate around the axis (X1) relative to the shaft member (40), and the housing (30) is provided with anti-rotation portions (71, 72) that prevent the locking member (70) from rotating around the axis (X1) when the locking member (70) is in the first position and allow the locking member (70) to rotate around the axis (X1) together with the shaft member (40) when the locking member (70) is in the second position.

4. The operating device (20) according to claim 1 further comprises a neutral biasing mechanism (100) having a spring member (101) that biases the grip member (32) toward the neutral position, the spring member (101) having a wire winding portion (110) made of a wound wire, a first arm portion (111) formed at one end of the wire winding portion (110), and a second arm portion (112) formed at the other end of the wire winding portion (110), and the neutral biasing mechanism (100) an operating unit (104) that moves the first arm (111) in a direction that elastically deforms the wire winding portion (110) when the grip member (32) is rotated in the first direction (A1), and that moves the second arm (112) in a direction that elastically deforms the wire winding portion (110) when the grip member (32) is rotated in the second direction (A2); and a spring support unit (103) that supports the first arm (111) and the second arm (112).

5. An operating device (20) according to claim 1, comprising a neutral stop mechanism (120) that temporarily holds the gripping member (32) in the neutral position by engaging a locking member (121) with a receiving portion (122) when the gripping member (32) is in the neutral position.

6. An operating device (20) according to claim 5, wherein the neutral stop mechanism (120) comprises: the locking member (121) and the receiving portion (122) that fit together when the gripping member (32) is in the neutral position; and an elastic member (123) that biases the locking member (121) toward the receiving portion (122) when the gripping member (32) is in the neutral position.

7. An operating device (20) as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a neutral return suppressing section (130) that stops the gripping member (32) just before the neutral position when the gripping member (32) moves from a state in which it has been rotated in the first direction (A1) or the second direction (A2) toward the neutral position.

8. The operating device (20) according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing (30) extending in a direction along the axis (X1) and having a portion located radially inward of the grip member (32) and a portion located closer to the base end in the direction along the axis (X1) than the grip member (32); and a friction mechanism (140) suppressing rotation of the shaft member (40), wherein the friction mechanism (140) comprises: a friction member (141) for applying friction to the rotation of the shaft member (40); and an operator (145) disposed on the outer surface of the portion of the housing (30) closer to the base end than the grip member (32) and adjusting the frictional force of the friction member (141).

9. An operating device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the operating device (20) is a tiller handle of an outboard motor (12).

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