JP2008044506A - Steering device for outboard motor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering device of an outboard motor capable of enhancing the steering feeling of a steering wheel. <P>SOLUTION: In the steering device of the outboard motor comprising a steering wheel which steers the outboard motor 10 by detecting a rotational angle according to the operation of the steering wheel 18 by a steering person and operating an electric motor 22 according to the detected rotational angle, and an operating load adjustment device 34 which is connected to the steering wheel 18 to adjust the operating load of the steering wheel 18, a connecting/disconnecting mechanism 40 for connecting and disconnecting the operating load adjustment device 34 to/from the steering wheel 18 is provided therebetween. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an outboard motor steering apparatus.

In recent years, as described in Patent Document 1 below, for example, an electric motor for steering the outboard motor with respect to the hull is provided, and the steering angle of the steering wheel by the operator is detected. In response to this, an electric steering mechanism that drives and controls an electric motor has been proposed. In such an electric steering mechanism, since the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the outboard motor is disconnected, the operation load of the steering wheel becomes excessively light, and dissatisfaction remains in terms of operation feeling. There was a thing. In view of this point, for example, Patent Document 2 below proposes that an operation load adjusting device including a hydraulic damper mechanism is connected to the steering wheel to adjust the operation load of the steering wheel. The adjustment is configured so as to be performed in accordance with the operation of the ship operator or the ship operation state (the number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine of the outboard motor).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-187597 (paragraphs 0011, 0025, 0027, FIG. 1) JP 2005-313823 A

  However, in the operation load adjusting device described in Patent Document 2 described above, the operation load of the steering wheel is only adjusted within a predetermined range based on the mechanism of the device, and the operation load by the operation load adjusting device is It was added to the steering wheel. That is, when an operation load needs to be applied to the steering wheel, a desired operation load can be applied by the operation load adjustment device, but when it is not necessary, the operation load by the operation load adjustment device is completely applied. However, it was difficult to satisfy the operation feeling.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an outboard motor steering apparatus that solves the above-described problems and improves the steering wheel operation feeling.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an outboard motor is detected by detecting a rotation angle according to the operation of the steering wheel of the boat operator and operating an actuator in accordance with the detected rotation angle. In an outboard motor steering apparatus equipped with an operation load adjusting device that is connected to the steering wheel and adjusts the operation load of the steering wheel, wherein both are disposed between the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel. It was configured so as to include a connection / disconnection means for connection / disconnection.

  In the outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 2, the connection / disconnection means operates a clutch disposed between the steering wheel and the operation load adjusting device, and operates the clutch when energized. The operation load adjusting device is constituted by an electromagnetic solenoid connected to the steering wheel.

  The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 3 is provided with a change-over switch that is provided so as to be freely operated by the vessel operator and that generates an output in accordance with a switching position. Thus, the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel are configured to be connected and disconnected.

  The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 4 includes a controller that outputs a command value according to a predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state, and the connection / disconnection means is configured to operate the operation load adjusting device according to the command value. The steering wheel is configured to be connected and disconnected.

  6. The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state includes the speed of the hull, the number of revolutions of an internal combustion engine mounted on the outboard motor, and the steering wheel by the marine vessel operator. It is configured to be one of the steering torques applied to the motor.

  The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the connecting / disconnecting means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value corresponding to any one of the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque. When the operation load adjusting device is connected to the steering wheel, any one of the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque is smaller than a corresponding second threshold value. At this time, the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel were configured to be disconnected.

  The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel by the marine vessel operator is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the connection / disconnection means moves the operating load adjusting apparatus to the steering wheel. While connected to the wheel, when the steering torque exceeds the predetermined value, the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel are disconnected.

  The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 1 is configured to include connection / disconnection means for connecting / disconnecting both between the operation load adjustment device and the steering wheel, in other words, the steering wheel by the operation load adjustment device. Since the operation load applied to the steering wheel is configured to be connected and disconnected, when the operation load needs to be applied to the steering wheel, a desired operation load is applied, and when the operation load does not need to be applied, the operation by the operation load adjusting device is performed. The load can be completely cut off, so that the operational feeling can be improved.

  In the outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 2, the connecting / disconnecting means includes a clutch disposed between the steering wheel and the operation load adjusting device, and when energized, the clutch is operated to adjust the operation load. Since the apparatus is configured to include an electromagnetic solenoid that is connected to the steering wheel, in addition to the effects described above, the steering wheel and the operation load adjusting device can be easily connected and disconnected while having a simple configuration.

  In the outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 3, the connecting / disconnecting means is configured to connect / disconnect the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel in accordance with an output of a changeover switch provided to be freely operated by the operator. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, the operation load by the operation load adjustment device can be added to the steering wheel according to the preference of the operator.

  In the outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 4, since the connection / disconnection means is configured to connect / disconnect the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel according to a predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state, in addition to the effects described above, The operation load by the operation load adjusting device can be appropriately applied to the steering wheel in accordance with a predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state.

  In the outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 5, the predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state includes the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine mounted on the outboard motor, and the steering torque applied to the steering wheel by the marine vessel operator. In addition to the effects described above, the operation load by the operation load adjustment device is appropriately added to the steering wheel according to the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque. can do.

  In the outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 6, when the connecting / disconnecting means has any one of the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, When the operation load adjustment device is connected to the steering wheel, and any of the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque is smaller than the corresponding second threshold value, the operation load adjustment device and the steering wheel In other words, any one of the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque is compared with two threshold values, and the operation load adjusting device and the steering are controlled according to the comparison result. Since the wheel is configured to be connected and disconnected, in addition to the effects described above, it is possible to prevent hunting from occurring when an operation load is applied to the steering wheel. Can.

  In the steering apparatus for an outboard motor according to claim 7, the connecting / disconnecting means connects the operating load adjusting device to the steering wheel when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel by the operator is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Since the operation load adjusting device is disconnected from the steering wheel when the steering torque exceeds a predetermined value, the operation load on the steering wheel can be reduced when the steering torque is extremely large, in addition to the effects described above. it can.

  The best mode for carrying out the outboard motor steering apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outboard motor steering system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes an outboard motor. The outboard motor 10 includes an internal combustion engine (hereinafter referred to as “engine”) 10 a and is mounted on the rear (stern) of the hull 12. Specifically, the outboard motor 10 is fixed to the stern through the stern bracket 16 so as to be steerable with the swivel shaft 14 as a steering shaft. A steering wheel 18 is disposed near the cockpit of the hull 12.

  The outboard motor steering apparatus according to the first embodiment includes an electric steering mechanism 20. The electric steering mechanism 20 includes an electric motor 22, a steering angle sensor 24, a rotation angle sensor 26, and an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU") 28 including a microcomputer. The ECU 28 is normally disposed inside the outboard motor 10.

  The electric motor 22 is disposed inside the outboard motor 10 and is operated with power supplied from a battery (not shown). The rotation output of the electric motor 22 is transmitted to the swivel shaft 14 via the gear mechanism 30. The outboard motor 10 is steered by turning the swivel shaft 14 by the rotational output of the electric motor 22.

  The steering angle sensor 24 is disposed on the outer periphery of the swivel shaft 14 and generates an output indicating the steering angle of the outboard motor 10 with respect to the hull 12. The output of the steering angle sensor 24 is sent to the ECU 28 via the signal line 24L. The rotation angle sensor 26 is installed in the vicinity of the rotation shaft 32 connected to the steering wheel 18 and generates an output indicating the rotation angle of the steering wheel 18 operated by the vessel operator. The output of the rotation angle sensor 26 is sent to the ECU 28 via the signal line 26L.

  The ECU 28 calculates a target steering angle at which the outboard motor 10 should be steered from the detected rotation angle of the steering wheel 18, and the operation of the electric motor 22 so that the calculated target steering angle matches the detected steering angle. To control.

  In the vicinity of the rotation shaft 32 of the steering wheel 18, an operation load adjusting device 34 including a known hydraulic damper mechanism that generates a load in the rotation operation of the steering wheel 18 is provided. The operation load adjusting device 34 is provided in the electric steering mechanism 20 because the mechanical connection between the outboard motor 10 and the steering wheel 18 is cut off, and the steering wheel 18 is operated excessively. This is to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling of lightening. Details of the operation load adjusting device 34 are described in detail in the patent document (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-313823) previously proposed by the present applicant, and only the outline thereof will be described below.

  The operation load adjusting device 34 includes an oil chamber (not shown), a vane 34a that is oscillated inside the oil chamber, and a linear solenoid 34b that adjusts the flow resistance of the oil flowing in the oil chamber by the oscillation of the vane 34a. Become.

  The swing shaft 34c of the vane 34a is connected to the rotation shaft 32 of the steering wheel 18 through a connection / disconnection mechanism described later, and the vane 34a is swung according to the rotation operation of the steering wheel 18 by the operator.

  As shown in FIG. 1, near the linear solenoid 34b, a controller (control unit) 36 composed of a microcomputer and a load adjustment switch 38 are arranged. The solenoid 34b and the controller 36 are connected via a signal line 34L, and the controller 36 and the load adjustment switch 38 are connected via a signal line 38L. The load adjustment switch 38 has three positions. Each position can be selected by the operator, and a signal indicating the selected position is transmitted to the controller 36 via a signal line 38L. The controller 36 drives the linear solenoid 34b according to the transmitted signal and adjusts the flow resistance of the oil flowing in the oil chamber. Thereby, an operation load corresponding to the adjusted flow resistance is added to the rotation operation of the steering wheel 18.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a connection / disconnection mechanism 40 that connects / disconnects the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 is provided. The connection / disconnection mechanism 40 includes a clutch 42 and an electromagnetic solenoid 44.

  As shown in the figure, the clutch 42 is composed of two dog plates stacked one above the other. The upper dog plate 42a has a disk shape, a plurality of dog teeth are formed on the lower surface thereof, and gear teeth (not shown) are also formed on the circumferential surface. The upper dog plate 42a is configured to freely rotate by meshing with a gear 32a that rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 32 of the steering wheel 18, and is configured to be movable up and down while meshing with the gear 32a. The tooth width of the gear 32a is appropriately set according to the vertical movement amount of the upper dog plate 42a.

  Below the upper dog plate 42a, a lower dog plate 42b having dog teeth meshing with the dog teeth on the lower surface thereof is rotatably provided. The lower dog plate 42 b is connected to the swing shaft 34 c of the operation load adjusting device 34 described above.

  The upper dog plate 42a is connected to the electromagnetic solenoid 44 via the clutch shifter 42c. The electromagnetic solenoid 44 is operated with power supplied from a battery (not shown), and a changeover switch 46 is connected to the electromagnetic solenoid 44 via a signal line 44L.

  The changeover switch 46 is provided in the vicinity of the steering wheel 18 so as to be freely operated by the operator, and is an “OFF” position for outputting a signal for shutting off the energization of the electromagnetic solenoid 44 and an “ON” for outputting a signal for energizing the electromagnetic solenoid 44. ”Position and“ AUTO ”position where the electromagnetic solenoid is energized / de-energized in an automatic mode, and can be switched to any one by the operator's operation.

  When the changeover switch 46 is switched to the “ON” position by the operator and the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is excited, the electromagnetic solenoid 44 drives the upper dog plate 42a downward via the clutch shifter 42c. As a result, the upper dog plate 42a is engaged (clutch connected) with the lower dog plate 42b. On the other hand, when the changeover switch 46 is switched to the “OFF” position by the vessel operator and the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is demagnetized, the electromagnetic solenoid 44 drives the upper dog plate 42a upward via the clutch shifter 42c. As a result, the upper dog plate 42a is disengaged (clutch released) from the lower dog plate 42b. That is, the connection / disconnection mechanism 40 is driven in accordance with the operation of the vessel operator via the changeover switch 46, and connects / disconnects the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34.

  The clutch shifter 42c extends through the electromagnetic solenoid 44 and extends upward in the drawing, and a manual knob 48 is attached to the upper end of the clutch shifter 42c so as to be operated by the operator. When the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is demagnetized (when the changeover switch 48 is switched to the “OFF” position by the operator), the manual knob 48 can be operated up and down. That is, the clutch 42 (more specifically, the upper dog plate 42a) is also driven by the vertical operation of the manual knob 48, and the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 are connected / disconnected.

  Next, the automatic mode described above will be described.

  The changeover switch 46 is electrically connected to the controller 36 described above via a signal line 46L. When the position of the changeover switch 46 is switched to “AUTO” (automatic mode), an energization command to the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is issued by the controller 36.

  In addition to the signal from the load adjustment switch 38, the hull speed V is also input to the controller 36. Specifically, a GPS (Global Positioning System) 50 that detects the speed V of the hull is provided inside the hull 12, and a signal indicating the speed V of the hull is transmitted to the controller 36 via the signal line 50L.

  In the automatic mode, the controller 36 energizes the electromagnetic solenoid 44 according to the speed V of the hull and operates the clutch 42.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the clutch 42 executed by the controller 36. The illustrated program is executed by the controller 36 every predetermined time, for example, every 100 msec.

  To explain below, the speed V of the hull detected by the GPS 50 in S10 is read. Next, in S12, it is determined whether or not the flag F is set to 1. Here, the fact that the flag F is set to 1 indicates that the clutch 42 is connected, specifically, the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 are connected. The fact that the flag F is set to 0 indicates that the clutch 42 is released, specifically, the connection between the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 is released.

  When the result in S12 is negative, the program proceeds to S14, in which it is determined whether or not the detected speed V of the hull is equal to or higher than a first threshold value α, for example, 40 km / h. When the result in S14 is negative, the subsequent processing is skipped. On the other hand, when the result is affirmative, the program proceeds to S16, in which the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is energized and the clutch 42 is connected. Next, in S18, the flag F is set to 1 and the program is terminated.

  When the result in S12 is affirmative, the program proceeds to S20, in which it is determined whether or not the detected speed V of the hull is equal to or higher than a second threshold value β, for example, 30 km / h. When the result in S20 is affirmative, the subsequent processing is skipped. On the other hand, when negative, it progresses to S22, stops energizing the electromagnetic solenoid 44, and releases the clutch 42. Next, in S24, the flag F is set to 0 and the program is terminated.

  FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the speed V of the hull obtained by the above processing of the controller 36 and the operation load F of the steering wheel.

  As shown in the figure, when the speed V of the hull exceeds the first threshold value α, the clutch 42 is connected, and the steering wheel 18 is applied with the operation load by the operation load adjusting device 34. Therefore, the steering wheel The operation load F of 18 increases. Further, once the clutch 42 is connected, the clutch 42 is in the connected state as long as the speed V of the hull is equal to or higher than the second threshold value β that is smaller than the first threshold value α. The operation load F of the steering wheel 18 is in an increased state.

  On the other hand, when the speed V of the hull becomes less than the second threshold value β, the clutch 42 is released and the operation load by the operation load adjusting device 34 is not applied to the steering wheel 18. The load F decreases. Further, once the clutch 42 is released, the clutch 42 is in a released state as long as the speed V of the hull is less than the first threshold value α which is larger than the second threshold value β. The operation load F of the steering wheel 18 is in a reduced state.

  As described above, the outboard motor steering apparatus according to the first embodiment is configured to connect and disconnect the operation load adjusting device 34 and the steering wheel 18, in other words, the operation load adjusting device 34. Since the operation load applied to the steering wheel 18 is connected to the steering wheel 18, the desired operation load is applied to the steering wheel 18 when it is necessary, and the operation load is not necessary to be applied. The operation load by the load adjusting device 34 can be completely cut off, and the operation feeling can be improved.

  The connecting / disconnecting mechanism 40 also connects the operating load adjusting device 34 to the steering wheel 18 by operating the clutch 42 when energized, and the clutch 42 disposed between the steering wheel 18 and the operating load adjusting device 34. Since the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is configured, the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 can be easily connected and disconnected with a simple configuration.

  Further, since the operation load adjusting device 34 and the steering wheel 18 are connected / disconnected in accordance with the output of the changeover switch 46 provided so as to be freely operated by the operator, the operation load F of the steering wheel 18 can be set to the operator's preference. It can be set accordingly.

  Further, since the operation load adjusting device 34 and the steering wheel 18 are connected and disconnected according to a predetermined ship maneuvering state, specifically, the speed V of the hull, the operation load F of the steering wheel 18 depends on the speed V of the hull. Can be set appropriately.

  When the hull speed V is equal to or higher than the threshold value α, the operating load adjusting device 34 is connected to the steering wheel 18, while when the hull speed V is smaller than the second threshold value β, the operating load adjusting device. 34 and the steering wheel 18 are disconnected from each other. In other words, the speed V of the hull is compared with two threshold values α and β, and the operation load adjusting device 34 and the steering wheel 18 are connected according to the comparison result. Since it is configured to connect and disconnect, it is possible to prevent hunting from occurring when an operation load is applied to the steering wheel 18.

  Next, an outboard motor steering system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  When focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, the second embodiment is mounted on the outboard motor 10 instead of inputting the speed V of the hull to the controller 36 in the automatic mode. The rotation speed of the engine 10a is input, and the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 are connected and disconnected according to the rotation speed of the engine 10a.

  That is, as indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 1, in addition to the signal from the load adjustment switch 38, the rotational speed NE of the engine 10a is also input to the controller 36. Specifically, the outboard motor 10 is provided with a rotation speed sensor 10b for detecting the rotation speed NE of the engine 10a mounted thereon, and a signal indicating the rotation speed NE of the engine 10a is transmitted to the controller 36 via the signal line 10L. Sent to.

  In the automatic mode, the controller 36 energizes the electromagnetic solenoid 44 according to the engine speed NE and operates the clutch 42.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart similar to FIG. 2 showing the operation process of the clutch 42 executed by the controller 36.

  In the following, the engine speed NE detected by the speed sensor 10b in S100 is read. Next, in S102, it is determined whether or not the flag F is set to 1. The meaning of the flag F is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  When the result in S102 is negative, the program proceeds to S104, in which it is determined whether or not the detected engine speed NE is a first threshold value α, for example, 4000 rpm or more. When the result in S104 is negative, the subsequent processing is skipped. On the other hand, when the result is affirmative, the routine proceeds to S106, where the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is energized and the clutch 42 is connected. Next, in S108, the flag F is set to 1 and the program is terminated.

  When the result in S102 is affirmative, the program proceeds to S110, in which it is determined whether or not the detected engine speed NE is greater than or equal to a second threshold value β, for example, 3000 rpm. When the result in S110 is affirmative, the subsequent processing is skipped. On the other hand, when negative, it progresses to S112, stops energizing the electromagnetic solenoid 44, and releases the clutch 42. Next, in S114, the flag F is set to 0 and the program is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a graph similar to FIG. 3 showing the relationship between the engine speed NE obtained by the above processing of the controller 36 and the operation load F of the steering wheel.

  FIG. 5 differs from FIG. 3 only in the speed V of the hull and the engine speed NE, and shows the same effect as that described in FIG. 3 with respect to the engine speed NE.

  As described above, in the outboard motor steering apparatus according to the second embodiment, the operation load adjusting device 34 and the steering wheel 18 are connected / disconnected in accordance with a predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state, specifically, the engine speed NE. Thus, the operation load F of the steering wheel 18 can be appropriately set according to the engine speed NE.

  When the engine speed NE is greater than or equal to the threshold value α, the operating load adjusting device 34 is connected to the steering wheel 18, while when the engine speed NE is smaller than the second threshold value β, the operating load adjusting device. 34 and the steering wheel 18 are disconnected, in other words, the engine speed NE is compared with two threshold values α and β, and the operation load adjusting device 34 and the steering wheel 18 are connected according to the comparison result. Since it is configured to connect and disconnect, it is possible to prevent hunting from occurring when an operation load is applied to the steering wheel 18.

  Next, an outboard motor steering system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, instead of inputting the speed V of the hull to the controller 36 in the automatic mode, the ship operator applies the steering wheel 18 to the steering wheel 18. The steering torque to be applied is input, and the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 are connected and disconnected according to the steering torque.

  That is, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the steering torque τ is input to the controller 36 in addition to the signal from the load adjustment switch 38. Specifically, the rotating shaft 32 of the steering wheel 18 is provided with a steering torque sensor 32b for detecting the steering torque τ applied to the steering wheel 18 by the operator, and a signal indicating the steering torque τ is transmitted via the signal line 32L. To the controller 36.

  In the automatic mode, the controller 36 energizes the electromagnetic solenoid 44 according to the steering torque τ and operates the clutch 42.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart similar to FIG. 2 showing the operation process of the clutch 42 executed by the controller 36.

  In the following, the steering torque τ applied to the steering wheel 18 detected by the steering torque sensor 32b in S200 is read. Next, in S202, it is determined whether or not the flag F is set to 1. The meaning of the flag F is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  When the result in S202 is negative, the program proceeds to S204, in which it is determined whether or not the detected steering torque τ is greater than or equal to a first threshold value α, for example, 4 kgf. When the result in S204 is NO, the subsequent processing is skipped. On the other hand, when the result is affirmative, the routine proceeds to S206, where the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is energized and the clutch 42 is connected. Next, in S208, the flag F is set to 1 and the program is terminated.

  When the result in S202 is affirmative, the program proceeds to S210, in which it is determined whether or not the detected steering torque τ is a second threshold value β, for example, 3 kgf. When the result in S210 is affirmative, the subsequent processing is skipped. On the other hand, when the result is negative, the process proceeds to S212, the energization of the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is stopped, and the clutch 42 is released. Next, in S214, the flag F is set to 0 and the program is terminated.

  FIG. 7 is a graph similar to FIG. 3 showing the relationship between the steering torque τ obtained by the above processing of the controller 36 and the operation load F of the steering wheel.

  FIG. 7 differs from FIG. 3 only in the hull speed V and the steering torque τ, and the steering torque τ has the same effect as that described in FIG.

  As described above, in the outboard motor steering apparatus according to the third embodiment, the operation load adjusting apparatus 34 according to a predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state, specifically, the steering torque τ applied to the steering wheel 18 by the marine vessel operator. Since the steering wheel 18 is connected and disconnected, the operation load F of the steering wheel 18 can be appropriately set according to the steering torque τ.

  When the steering torque τ is greater than or equal to the threshold value α, the operation load adjusting device 34 is connected to the steering wheel 18, while when the steering torque τ is smaller than the second threshold value β, the operation load adjusting device 34 The steering wheel 18 is configured to be disconnected, in other words, the steering torque τ is compared with two threshold values α and β, and the operation load adjusting device 34 and the steering wheel 18 are connected and disconnected according to the comparison result. Thus, it is possible to prevent hunting from occurring when an operation load is applied to the steering wheel 18.

  Next, an outboard motor steering system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram partially showing a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1 of the steering apparatus for an outboard motor according to the fourth embodiment. In addition, about the structure common to 1st Example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The description will focus on differences from the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, in the connection / disconnection mechanism 40, a torque limit type clutch 52 is provided instead of the clutch 42, and the electromagnetic solenoid 44 and switching are performed. The switch 46 is configured to be removed.

  As shown in the figure, the torque limit clutch 52 is composed of two plates stacked one above the other. The upper plate 52a has a disk shape, its upper surface is connected to the rotating shaft 32 of the steering wheel 18, and a plurality of rounded substantially egg-shaped teeth are formed on its lower surface. Below the upper plate 52a, a lower plate 52b having teeth of the same shape meshing with the teeth on the lower surface thereof is provided to be rotatable and vertically movable. The lower plate 52 b is connected to the swing shaft 34 c of the operation load adjusting device 34. Between the lower plate 52b and the operation load adjusting device 34, a set spring 52c for biasing the lower plate 52b upward is provided. The rotation angle sensor 26 is installed near the rotation shaft 32 on the steering wheel 18 side.

  When the steering torque applied to the steering wheel 18 by the ship operator is equal to or lower than a predetermined torque, the upper and lower plates 52a and 52b rotate integrally with their teeth engaged. That is, the torque limit type clutch 52 connects the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel 18 by the ship operator is equal to or less than a predetermined torque. Accordingly, in this case, an operation load by the operation load adjusting device 34 is applied to the steering wheel 18.

  On the other hand, when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel 18 by the operator exceeds a predetermined torque, the teeth of the upper plate 52a push down the teeth of the lower plate 52b against the urging force of the set spring 52c, and the upper plate 52a Rotates alone in a disengaged state. That is, the torque limit type clutch 52 disconnects the steering wheel 18 from the operation load adjusting device 34 when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel 18 by the vessel operator exceeds a predetermined torque. Therefore, in this case, the operation load by the operation load adjusting device 34 is not applied to the steering wheel 18.

  The predetermined torque is uniquely determined by the setting of the set spring 52c, and is set to 6 kgf, for example.

  FIG. 9 is a graph similar to FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, showing the relationship between the steering torque obtained by the operation of the torque limit type clutch 52 and the operation load F of the steering wheel.

  As shown in the figure, when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel 18 by the vessel operator is equal to or less than a predetermined torque (for example, 6 kgf), the steering wheel 18 is applied with the operation load by the operation load adjusting device 34, and the steering wheel operation load is F increases. On the other hand, when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel 18 by the vessel operator exceeds a predetermined torque (for example, 6 kgf), the steering wheel 18 is not applied with the operation load by the operation load adjusting device 34, and the steering wheel 18 is operated. F decreases.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a manual knob 48 is connected to the lower plate 52b via a clutch shifter 52d. That is, the lower plate 52b is pushed downward also by the operation of the manual knob 48, and the steering wheel 18 and the operation load adjusting device 34 are disconnected.

  Thus, in the outboard motor steering apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the torque limit clutch 52 is used when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel 18 by the boat operator is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 6 kgf). Since the operation load adjusting device 34 is connected to the steering wheel 18 while the operation load adjusting device 34 and the steering wheel 18 are disconnected when the steering torque exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 6 kgf), the steering torque is reduced. When it is extremely large, the operation load F of the steering wheel 18 can be reduced.

  As described above, in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the rotation angle corresponding to the operation of the steering wheel (18) by the boat operator is detected, and the actuator (electrically operated) is detected according to the detected rotation angle. The motor 22) is operated to steer the outboard motor (10), and the outboard motor steering apparatus includes an operation load adjusting device (34) connected to the steering wheel to adjust the operation load of the steering wheel. In the above, a connecting / disconnecting means (connecting / disconnecting mechanism 40) for connecting / disconnecting the operating load adjusting device and the steering wheel is provided.

  The connecting / disconnecting means includes a clutch (42) disposed between the steering wheel and the operation load adjusting device, and when energized, the clutch is operated to cause the operation load adjusting device to move to the steering wheel. The electromagnetic solenoid (44) to be connected is constituted.

  In addition, the ship operator is provided with a changeover switch (46) that can be operated freely and generates an output in accordance with a changeover position, and the connecting / disconnecting means switches the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel in accordance with the output. It was configured to connect and disconnect.

  In addition, a controller (36) that outputs a command value according to a predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state (the hull speed V, the engine speed NE, and the steering torque τ) is provided. The operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel are connected and disconnected.

  The predetermined ship maneuvering state includes the speed (V) of the hull, the rotational speed (NE) of the internal combustion engine mounted on the outboard motor, and the steering torque (τ) applied to the steering wheel by the operator. It was configured to be one of the following.

  Further, the connecting / disconnecting means sets the operating load adjusting device when the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, or the steering torque is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (α). When one of the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque is smaller than a corresponding second threshold value (β) while being connected to the steering wheel, The connection of the steering wheel was configured to be disconnected.

  In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the connecting / disconnecting means may be configured such that when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel by the ship operator is not more than a predetermined value (for example, 6 kgf), the operating load adjusting device is When the steering torque exceeds the predetermined value while being connected to the steering wheel, the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel are disconnected.

  In the above, the first to fourth embodiments are merely examples, and other configurations in which some of the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments are combined are also conceivable. For example, when the configurations of the first and fourth embodiments are combined, the torque limit type clutch 52 of the fourth embodiment is provided between the steering wheel 18 and the gear 34a on the rotary shaft 32 of the first embodiment. It is possible.

  In the above description, the clutch 42 is a dog type, but may be a friction plate type clutch.

  In the above description, the electromagnetic solenoid 44 is used to operate the clutch 42, but an electric motor may be used. Further, the clutch 42 itself may be constituted by an electromagnetic clutch, and the electromagnetic solenoid 44 may be removed.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an outboard motor steering system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing clutch operation processing executed by a controller of the outboard motor steering apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the speed of the hull obtained by the processing of the flow chart and the operation load of the steering wheel. FIG. 6 is a flowchart similar to FIG. 2 showing clutch operation processing executed by the controller of the outboard motor steering apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a graph similar to FIG. 3 showing the relationship between the engine speed and the steering wheel operating load obtained by the processing of the flow chart. FIG. 6 is a flowchart similar to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 showing clutch operation processing executed by the controller of the outboard motor steering apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention; 6 is a graph similar to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 showing the relationship between the steering torque obtained by the processing of the flow chart and the operation load of the steering wheel. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram partially showing a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 1, which is a steering apparatus for an outboard motor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a graph similar to FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, showing the relationship between the steering torque obtained by the operation of the torque limit type clutch of the steering apparatus for the outboard motor shown in FIG. 8 and the operation load of the steering wheel.

Explanation of symbols

10: Outboard motor, 18: Steering wheel, 22: Electric motor, 34: Operating load adjusting device, 36: Controller, 40: Connection / disconnection mechanism (connection / disconnection means), 42: Clutch (connection / disconnection means), 44: Electromagnetic Solenoid (connection / disconnection means), 46: changeover switch, 52: torque limit type clutch (connection / disconnection means)

Claims (7)

  A rotation angle corresponding to an operation of the steering wheel of the ship operator is detected, an actuator is operated according to the detected rotation angle to steer the outboard motor, and connected to the steering wheel to operate the steering wheel An outboard motor steering apparatus having an operation load adjustment device for adjusting a load, wherein the outboard motor includes a connection means for connecting and disconnecting the operation load adjustment device and the steering wheel. Steering device.   The connecting / disconnecting means includes a clutch disposed between the steering wheel and the operation load adjusting device, and an electromagnetic solenoid that operates the clutch to connect the operation load adjusting device to the steering wheel when excited. The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   The switch is provided so as to be freely operated by the vessel operator, and includes a changeover switch that generates an output in accordance with a changeover position, and the connection / disconnection means connects / disconnects the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel in accordance with the output. The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 2.   3. The controller according to claim 2, further comprising a controller that outputs a command value in accordance with a predetermined marine vessel maneuvering state, and wherein the connection / disconnection means connects / disconnects the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel in accordance with the command value. Outboard motor steering device.   The predetermined ship maneuvering state is any one of a speed of the hull, a rotation speed of an internal combustion engine mounted on the outboard motor, and a steering torque applied to the steering wheel by the operator. Item 5. The outboard motor steering apparatus according to Item 4.   The connection / disconnection means connects the operation load adjusting device to the steering wheel when any one of the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque is equal to or greater than a corresponding threshold value. On the other hand, when any one of the speed of the hull, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and the steering torque is smaller than a corresponding second threshold value, the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel are disconnected. The outboard motor steering system according to claim 5.   The connecting / disconnecting means connects the operation load adjusting device to the steering wheel when the steering torque applied to the steering wheel by the operator is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and when the steering torque exceeds the predetermined value. 2. The outboard motor steering device according to claim 1, wherein the operation load adjusting device and the steering wheel are disconnected from each other.