JP2011111127A - Steering gear for outboard engine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering gear for an outboard engine improving the operability of a tiller handle by using an assist mechanism and a helm mechanism for the tiller handle. <P>SOLUTION: The steering gear 16 for the outboard engine includes a torque sensor 41 detecting a difference between the respective steering angles of an outboard engine body 13 and the tiller handle 42 as steering torque; an electric assist mechanism 43 controllable based on the steering torque detected by the torque sensor; and the helm mechanism 45 driven by the electric assist mechanism to correct the difference between the respective steering angles of the outboard engine body and tiller handle. The torque sensor is provided at a connecting arm 28 connecting the tiller handle to the outboard engine body. The electric assist mechanism and the helm mechanism are provided in a hull 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an outboard motor steering apparatus in which an outboard motor main body is steerably provided in a hull, a tiller handle is connected to the outboard motor main body, and the outboard motor main body is steered by the tiller handle.

A steering wheel or tiller handle is used as a steering handle for steering an outboard motor supported at the rear of the hull.
Among steering devices using a steering wheel, an assist mechanism is provided between the steering wheel and a hydraulic helm pump (hydraulic steering pump), and the assist mechanism assists (assists) the steering force (operation force) of the steering wheel. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Since the steering wheel is separated from the outboard motor main body and provided in the front part (instrument panel) of the hull, an assist mechanism and a hydraulic helm pump can be provided in the vicinity of the steering wheel.

According to the steering device of Patent Document 1, when the steering wheel is operated, the driving force of the helm mechanism (steering mechanism) is operated with a relatively small steering force by assisting the steering force of the steering wheel with the assist mechanism. (That is, the steering force of the steering wheel can be reduced).
By operating the drive shaft of the helm mechanism, oil is discharged from the helm mechanism, and the discharged oil is guided to the steering means. Since the oil is guided to the steering means, the outboard motor main body can be steered by operating the steering means with the oil.

JP-A-2005-231383

On the other hand, in a steering apparatus using a tiller handle, the tiller handle is coupled to the outboard motor main body via a coupling portion.
According to this steering apparatus, the outboard motor main body can be steered integrally with the tiller handle by operating the tiller handle to the left and right.
However, in a steering device using a tiller handle, it is difficult to provide an assist mechanism or a helm mechanism in the vicinity of the tiller handle because the tiller handle is connected to the outboard motor main body via a connecting portion.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an outboard motor steering apparatus that can improve the operability of a tiller handle by using an assist mechanism and a helm mechanism for the tiller handle.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outboard motor steering apparatus in which an outboard motor main body is provided in a hull so as to be steerable, a tiller handle is coupled to the outboard motor main body, and the outboard motor main body is steered by the tiller handle. A torque sensor that detects a difference in steering angle between the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle as a steering torque, an electric assist mechanism that can be controlled based on the steering torque detected by the torque sensor, and the electric assist mechanism And a helm mechanism that corrects the difference between the steering angles of the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle, and the torque sensor connects the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle. The electric assist mechanism and the helm mechanism are provided in the hull.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the helm mechanism is a hydraulic helm pump that steers the outboard motor hydraulically or a mechanical helm mechanism that mechanically steers the outboard motor.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the electric assist mechanism is controlled based on a steering torque detected by the torque sensor and a rotational speed of an engine that drives a propeller of the outboard motor.

In the invention according to claim 1, a torque sensor is provided in a connecting portion that connects the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle, and the electric assist mechanism and the helm mechanism are provided in the hull.
The difference between the steering angles of the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle is detected as a steering torque by a torque sensor, and the electric assist mechanism is controlled based on the detected steering torque.
The helm mechanism is driven by the electric assist mechanism, and the difference between the steering angles of the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle is corrected by the helm mechanism.

The steering force (operating force) of the tiller handle can be assisted (assisted) by driving the helm mechanism with the electric assist mechanism and correcting the difference between the steering angles of the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle.
Thereby, the steering force (operation force) of the tiller handle can be reduced, and the operability of the tiller handle can be improved.

Here, a torque sensor is provided in a connecting portion that connects the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle, and an electric assist mechanism and a helm mechanism are provided in the hull.
The torque sensor is a relatively compact member. Therefore, by separating the torque sensor from the electric assist mechanism and the helm mechanism, the torque sensor can be provided at the connecting portion.
Thereby, a torque sensor can be provided by simple modification of the existing connecting portion (that is, using the existing connecting portion).

Further, the electric assist mechanism and the helm mechanism with the torque sensor separated are provided on the hull.
The hull is easy to secure a relatively large space. Therefore, the electric assist mechanism and the helm mechanism can be provided by simple modification of the existing hull (that is, using the existing hull).

  As described above, since the torque sensor, the electric assist mechanism, and the helm mechanism can be provided by simple modification (utilization) of the existing connecting arm or the existing hull, the application of the steering device can be expanded.

In the invention according to claim 2, both the hydraulic helm pump (hydraulic steering pump) and the mechanical helm mechanism can be used as the helm mechanism.
As a result, when the outboard motor steering device is attached to the hull, one suitable for the hull can be selected from the hydraulic helm pump and the mechanical helm mechanism, and the degree of design freedom can be increased.

In the invention according to claim 3, the electric assist mechanism is controlled based on the detected steering torque, and the electric assist mechanism is controlled based on the rotational speed of the engine that drives the propeller.
Here, when the number of revolutions of the engine is increased, the hull enters a high-speed sliding state (high-speed sliding area), and the reaction force of the propeller is increased. For this reason, in the high-speed sliding area, the steering force (operation force) of the steering wheel is increased.
On the other hand, if the number of revolutions of the engine is lowered, the hull enters a low speed sliding state (low speed sliding area), and the reaction force of the propeller is reduced. For this reason, the steering force of the steering wheel becomes light in the low speed sliding area.

Therefore, in claim 3, the electric assist mechanism is controlled based on the rotational speed of the engine that drives the propeller.
Therefore, the steering force of the steering handle by the operator can be reduced by controlling so that the steering force (assist force) of the steering handle by the electric assist mechanism is increased in the high-speed sliding area.

On the other hand, in the low-speed sliding area, the steering force of the steering handle by the operator can be properly maintained by controlling the steering force (assist force) of the steering handle by the electric assist mechanism to be small.
In this way, the steering stability of the steering wheel can be improved by reducing the steering force of the steering wheel in the high-speed sliding area and maintaining the steering force of the steering wheel appropriately in the low-speed sliding area.

1 is a plan view showing an outboard motor steering apparatus (Example 1) according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state where a tiller handle is removed from the outboard motor steering device of FIG. 1. It is a side view which shows the tiller handle of FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part 4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view taken in the direction of arrow 5 in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the example which steers an outboard motor main body with the tiller handle which concerns on this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an outboard motor steering apparatus (Example 2) according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a view taken in the direction of arrow 9 in FIG. 8.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” indicate Fr as the front, Rr as the rear, L as the left, and R as the right according to the direction viewed from the operator.

The outboard motor steering apparatus 16 according to the first embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outboard motor 10 steers the outboard motor main body 13 provided on the stern 12 of the hull 11 via a support base 17 (see FIG. 3), and the outboard motor main body 13. And an outboard motor steering device (hereinafter referred to as “steering device”) 16 for operating the cylinder unit 14.

The outboard motor main body 13 is supported by the support base 17 via a swivel shaft 21 and a connecting arm (connecting portion) 28 so as to be swingable (swingable) in the left-right direction. The support base 17 is attached to the stern 12 of the hull 11.
The outboard motor main body 13 includes an engine 22, and a propeller 23 is connected to the output shaft of the engine 22.

  The cylinder unit 14 includes a steering cylinder 25 provided on the stern 12 of the hull 11 and a connecting bar 29 that connects a connecting arm 28 to a piston portion 27 of the steering cylinder 25.

As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting arm 28 has a base end portion 28 a provided on the outboard motor main body 13, a base end vicinity portion 28 b supported by the swivel shaft 21, and a tip end portion 28 c directed forward of the hull 11. It is extended. The swivel shaft 21 is rotatably supported on the support base 17.
As this connection arm 28, for example, one used for a normal outboard motor is used.

By supporting the proximal end portion 28b of the connecting arm 28 on the swivel shaft 21, the connecting arm 28 is supported so as to be rotatable (swingable) in the horizontal direction about the swivel shaft 21.
By providing the outboard motor main body 13 at the base end portion 28 a of the connecting arm 28, the outboard motor main body 13 is supported so as to be steerable in the left-right direction around the swivel shaft 21.

The steering cylinder 25 is arranged substantially horizontally with the cylinder portion 27 supported by the pivot shaft 31 via the support member 32 so as to face the width direction of the hull (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
The swivel shaft 21 is a shaft that supports the outboard motor main body 13 in a steerable manner.
The pivot shaft 31 is a shaft that supports the outboard motor main body 13 in a tiltable manner.

1 and 2, the steering cylinder 25 has a left end portion 25a communicated with a left port portion 92 of a hydraulic helm pump 45 (described later) via a left steering pipe 37.
Further, the right end portion 25 b of the steering cylinder 25 is communicated with the right port portion 93 of the hydraulic helm pump 45 through the right steering pipe 38.

The connecting bar 29 is disposed substantially parallel to the steering cylinder 25 at the rear of the hull of the cylinder portion 27. The left end portion 29 a of the connecting bar 29 is connected to the left end portion 27 a of the piston portion 27 with a bolt 36. Further, the right end portion 29 b of the connecting bar 29 is connected to the right end portion 27 b of the piston portion 27 with a bolt 36.
Further, the connecting bar 29 has a long hole 33 formed at the center, and the long hole 33 is rotatable to a support shaft part (support bolt) 34 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and slidable in the long axis direction. Is fitted. The support shaft portion 34 is attached to the connecting arm 28.

When the hydraulic pressure is applied to the left steering pipe 37 from the hydraulic helm pump 45, the piston portion 27 moves to the right as indicated by the arrow A. As the piston part 27 moves in the right direction, the connecting bar 29 (that is, the long hole 33) moves in the right direction.
As the long hole 33 of the connecting bar 29 moves in the right direction, the support shaft portion 34 moves in the right direction. As the support shaft portion 34 moves, the outboard motor main body 13 swings around the swivel shaft 21 to the left as indicated by an arrow B.

On the other hand, when the hydraulic pressure is applied to the right steering pipe 38 from the hydraulic helm pump 45, the piston portion 27 moves to the left as indicated by the arrow C. As the piston part 27 moves leftward, the connecting bar 29 (that is, the long hole 33) moves leftward.
As the elongated hole 33 of the connecting bar 29 moves in the left direction, the support shaft portion 34 moves in the left direction. As the support shaft 34 moves, the outboard motor main body 13 swings around the swivel shaft 21 in the right direction as indicated by an arrow D.

  The steering device 16 includes a torque sensor 41 provided at the tip 28c of the connecting arm 28, a tiller handle 42 connected to the torque sensor 41, and an electric assist mechanism that can be controlled based on a signal transmitted from the torque sensor 41. 43, a helm mechanism (steering mechanism) 45 coupled to the electric assist mechanism 43 via power transmission means 44 (see FIG. 5), and a control unit 46 that controls the electric assist mechanism 43.

The steering device 16 has a function of operating the helm mechanism 45 by operating the tiller handle 42 and steering the outboard motor main body 13 by the operation of the helm mechanism 45.
Furthermore, the steering device 16 has a function of increasing the operability of the tiller handle 42 by the electric assist mechanism 43 when operating the tiller handle 42.

Here, the torque sensor 41 is provided at the distal end portion 28 c of the connecting arm 28 in a state where it is separated from the electric assist mechanism 43 and the helm mechanism 45.
Furthermore, the electric assist mechanism 43 and the helm mechanism 45 from which the torque sensor 41 is separated are provided on the hull 11.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the torque sensor 41 is freely rotatable via a bearing 53 and a base 51 provided at the distal end portion 28 c of the connecting arm 28, a holder 52 provided at the base 51, and a holder 52. And a swing arm 55 provided at the top 54a of the hollow support shaft 54.
The tiller handle 42 is connected to the swing arm 55 via a support bolt 63.

The base 51 is formed in a substantially L shape in a side view by a vertical portion 65 and a horizontal portion 66.
The vertical portion 65 of the base 51 is attached to the distal end portion 28 c of the connecting arm 28 with a plurality of mounting bolts 67.
A holder 52 is provided on the horizontal portion 66 of the base 51.

  Further, the torque sensor 41 includes a torque input shaft 56 splined to the hollow support shaft 54, a torque output shaft 57 provided coaxially below the torque input shaft 56, and an upper end portion 58a on the torque input shaft 56. A torsion bar 58 coupled to the torque output shaft 57 and having a lower end 58b coupled to the torque output shaft 57; a torque ring 59 supported on the torsion bar 58 (specifically, the torque input shaft 56) so as to be movable in the axial direction; This is a general sensor provided with a coil 61 provided outside the torque ring 59.

  The torque output shaft 57 is disposed coaxially with the torque input shaft 56 and is fixed to the horizontal portion 66 of the base 51.

The swing arm 55 is rotatably supported by the holder 52 via a torque input shaft 56. The torque input shaft 56 is connected to the torque output shaft 57 via a torsion bar 58.
Therefore, when the torsion bar 58 is twisted, the swing arm 55 rotates about the torque input shaft 56.
On the other hand, when the torsion bar 58 is not twisted, the swing arm 55 is supported integrally with the holder 52.

The torque sensor 41 detects a difference in steering angle between the outboard motor main body 13 and the tiller handle 42 as a steering torque.
In other words, when a difference occurs between the steering torques of the outboard motor main body 13 and the tiller handle 42, the difference can be detected by the torque sensor 41 as the steering torque.

Specifically, when the outboard motor main body 13 is steered by the tiller handle 42, if the load acting on the outboard motor main body 13 is relatively large, the torsion bar 58 is twisted.
Therefore, the swing arm 55 swings around the torque input shaft 56 integrally with the tiller handle 42, and the torque input shaft 56 rotates integrally with the swing arm 55.

As described above, the swing arm 55 swings around the torque input shaft 56, so that a difference occurs in each steering angle (each steering torque) of the outboard motor main body 13 and the tiller handle 42.
Thereby, the steering of the outboard motor main body 13 can be maintained in a state of being assisted (assisted) by the electric assist mechanism 43 and the helm mechanism 45.

On the other hand, when the load acting on the outboard motor main body 13 is relatively small, the torsion bar 58 is not twisted.
Therefore, the tiller handle 42 and the swing arm 55 swing around the swivel shaft 21 integrally with the holder 52, the base 51, and the connecting arm 28.
Since the swing arm 55 swings around the swivel shaft 21, there is no difference in each steering angle (each steering torque) of the outboard motor main body 13 and the tiller handle 42.
As a result, the steering of the outboard motor main body 13 can be maintained in a state where the electric assist mechanism 43 and the helm mechanism 45 are not assisted (assisted).

Here, an operation when the torsion bar 58 of the torque sensor 41 is twisted will be described.
When the torsion bar 58 is twisted, the torque ring 59 moves in the axial direction of the torque input shaft 56 based on the twist of the torsion bar 58.
The amount of movement of the torque ring 59 is detected by the coil 61, and the steering torque is detected based on the detected amount of movement.
That is, according to the torque sensor 41, the difference between the steering angles of the outboard motor main body 13 and the tiller handle 42 can be detected as the steering torque.

The detected steering torque is transmitted to the control unit 46 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
The control unit 46 outputs a drive signal to the electric assist mechanism 43 (electric actuator 71) based on the transmitted steering torque.
The electric actuator 71 is a normal electric motor that is driven based on a drive signal from the control unit 46 (specifically, the output shaft 72 (see FIG. 6) is rotated).
The output shaft 72 is provided with a pinion 76 (see FIG. 6) of the assist gear mechanism 74.

Incidentally, as described above, the torque sensor 41 is provided at the distal end portion 28 c of the connecting arm 28 in a state where it is separated from the electric assist mechanism 43 and the helm mechanism 45.
By separating the torque sensor 41 from the electric assist mechanism 43 and the helm mechanism 45, the torque sensor 41 can be made compact.
Therefore, the connecting arm 28 to which the compact torque sensor 41 can be attached can be obtained by simple modification of the connecting arm used for a normal outboard motor.

Further, as described above, the electric assist mechanism 43 and the helm mechanism 45 that are separated from the torque sensor 41 are provided in the hull 11.
The hull 11 is easy to secure a relatively large space. Therefore, the hull 11 to which the electric assist mechanism 43 and the helm mechanism 45 can be attached can be obtained by simple modification of the existing hull.

  In this way, the torque sensor 41, the electric assist mechanism 43, and the helm mechanism 45 can be provided by simple modification of the existing connecting arm and the existing hull, so that the application of the steering device 16 can be expanded.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electric assist mechanism 43 connects the electric actuator 71 that operates based on the steering torque transmitted from the torque sensor 41 and the output shaft 72 of the electric actuator 71 to the assist output shaft 73. An assist gear mechanism 74 is provided.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric assist mechanism 43 is provided integrally with the hydraulic helm pump 45 on the right side portion 18 of the hull 11.

The assist gear mechanism 74 includes a pinion 76 provided on the output shaft 72 of the electric actuator 71, and a helical gear (helical gear) 77 provided on the assist output shaft 73 while meshing with the pinion 76.
By engaging the pinion 76 with the helical gear 77, the rotation of the pinion 76 can be transmitted to the assist output shaft 73 via the helical gear 77.
The pinion 76 rotates integrally with the output shaft 72 when the electric actuator 71 is operated based on the detected steering torque.

In addition, as will be described later, the electric assist mechanism 43 assists the steering force (steering torque) of the tiller handle 42 based on the rotational speed of the engine 22 shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as “engine rotational speed”) ( It has a function to assist.
That is, the electric assist mechanism 43 is configured to be able to suitably control the operation of the tiller handle 42 based on the detected steering torque and the engine speed.

The assist output shaft 73 protrudes downward from the helical gear 77 and is connected to the helm mechanism 45 via the power transmission means 44.
The power transmission means 44 includes a drive gear 81 provided coaxially with the lower end 73 a of the assist output shaft 73, and a driven gear 83 engaged with the drive gear 81 and provided coaxially with the drive shaft 82 of the helm mechanism 45. It consists of
Therefore, the rotation of the assist output shaft 73 can be transmitted to the drive gear 81, the rotation of the drive gear 81 can be transmitted to the driven gear 83, and the rotation of the driven gear 83 can be transmitted to the drive shaft 82 of the helm mechanism 45.

As an example of the helm mechanism 45, a hydraulic helm pump is used.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the helm mechanism (that is, the hydraulic helm pump) 45 is provided integrally with the electric assist mechanism 43 on the right side portion 18 of the hull 11.

In the hydraulic helm pump 45, the rotating body 86 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 82 as the drive shaft 82 rotates. As the rotating body 86 rotates, the piston 87 rotates together with the rotating body 86.
The piston 87 rotates while slidably contacting the swash plate 89 via the bearing 88, so that the piston 87 slides in the axial direction and discharges the oil in the cylinder 91.
That is, the hydraulic helm pump 45 is a commonly used piston pump (plunger pump).

Here, the left steering pipe 37 communicates with the left port portion 92 of the hydraulic helm pump 45, and the right steering pipe 38 communicates with the right port portion 93 of the hydraulic helm pump 45.
By discharging oil from the hydraulic helm pump 45, hydraulic pressure acts on either the left steering pipe 37 or the right steering pipe 38 of the steering cylinder 25.

Therefore, the piston portion 27 of the steering cylinder 25 shown in FIG. 1 is moved in one of the left direction and the right direction.
As a result, the outboard motor main body 13 swings leftward and rightward about the swivel shaft 21 so that the hull 11 can be steered leftward and rightward.
Thus, by using the hydraulic helm pump 45, the outboard motor main body 13 can be steered hydraulically.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit 46 has a function of transmitting a drive signal to the electric assist mechanism 43 (electric actuator 71) based on the steering torque detected by the torque sensor 41.
Therefore, as described above, when the outboard motor main body 13 is steered by gripping the grip 42 a of the tiller handle 42, differences may occur in the respective steering angles of the outboard motor main body 13 and the tiller handle 42.
In this case, the torsion bar 58 is twisted, and the steering torque is detected based on the twist of the torsion bar 58.

Based on the detected steering torque, a drive signal is transmitted from the control unit 46 to the electric assist mechanism 43 (electric actuator 71). The electric actuator 71 is driven based on this drive signal.
Accordingly, when the outboard motor main body 13 is steered by the tiller handle 42, the steering force (steering torque) F1 of the tiller handle 42 can be assisted (assisted) by the electric assist mechanism 43.

In addition, by assisting the steering force F <b> 1 of the tiller handle 42 with the electric assist mechanism 43, the length of the tiller handle 42 can be reduced.
Thus, by suppressing the tiller handle 42 to be short, the operability of the tiller handle 42 can be improved.

Here, when the rotation speed of the engine 22 is increased, the hull 11 enters a high-speed sliding state (high-speed sliding area), and the reaction force of the propeller propeller 23 increases. For this reason, the steering force F1 of the tiller handle 42 is increased in the high-speed sliding area.
On the other hand, when the rotational speed of the engine 22 is lowered, the hull 11 is in a low-speed sliding state (low-speed sliding area), and the reaction force of the propeller propeller 23 is reduced. For this reason, the steering force F1 of the tiller handle 42 becomes light in the low speed sliding area.

Therefore, the control unit 46 has a function of transmitting a drive signal to the electric assist mechanism 43 (electric actuator 71) based on the engine speed.
Specifically, the engine speed is detected by a speed detection means 95 (see FIG. 1), and the detected signal is transmitted to the control unit 46.

When the engine speed is high, a signal that promotes assist by the electric assist mechanism 43 is transmitted from the control unit 46 to the electric actuator 71.
Therefore, the electric assist mechanism 43 can be controlled so that the steering force (assist force) acting on the tiller handle 42 is increased in the high-speed sliding area.
Thereby, the steering force F1 of the tiller handle 42 by the operator can be reduced.

On the other hand, when the engine speed is low, a signal that suppresses assist by the electric assist mechanism 43 is transmitted from the control unit 46 to the electric actuator 71.
Therefore, the electric assist mechanism 43 can be controlled so that the steering force (assist force) acting on the tiller handle 42 is kept small in the low-speed sliding area.
Thereby, the steering force F1 of the tiller handle 42 by the operator can be maintained appropriately.

  As described above, the steering force F1 of the tiller handle 42 is reduced in the high-speed sliding area, and the steering force F1 of the tiller handle 42 is appropriately maintained in the low-speed sliding area, thereby improving the steering stability of the tiller handle 42 by the operator. be able to.

Next, an example in which the outboard motor main body 13 is steered by the tiller handle 42 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the tiller handle 42 is operated as indicated by an arrow E in the right direction about the swivel shaft 21 as an axis.
By operating the tiller handle 42, the outboard motor main body 13 is steered leftward as indicated by an arrow F about the swivel shaft 21 as an axis.

Here, for example, when the resistance of seawater or the like acting on the outboard motor main body 13 is small, a relatively small load F2 acts on the outboard motor main body 13.
Therefore, the tiller handle 42 and the outboard motor main body 13 are steered integrally with the swivel shaft 21 as an axis.
Thus, there is no difference between the steering angle θ1 of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle θ2 of the outboard motor body 13. In other words, there is no difference between the steering torques of the tiller handle 42 and the outboard motor main body 13.

On the other hand, when the resistance of seawater or the like acting on the outboard motor main body 13 is large, a relatively large load F2 acts on the outboard motor main body 13.
Therefore, the tiller handle 42 swings as shown by the arrow E about the torque input shaft 56.
As a result, a difference occurs in the steering angle θ1 of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle θ2 of the outboard motor main body 13. In other words, a difference occurs in each steering torque of the tiller handle 42 and the outboard motor main body 13.

In this case, the torsion bar 58 shown in FIG. 4 is twisted, and the steering torque is detected by the torque sensor 41 based on the twist of the torsion bar 58.
The detected steering torque is transmitted to the control unit 46, and a drive signal is transmitted from the control unit 46 to the electric assist mechanism 43 (electric actuator 71) based on the transmitted steering torque.

The electric actuator 71 is driven based on the transmitted drive signal, and the pinion 76 (see FIG. 6) rotates integrally with the output shaft 72 of the electric actuator 71.
By rotating the pinion 76, the rotation of the pinion 76 is transmitted to the assist output shaft 73 (see FIG. 7B) via the helical gear 77.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the rotation of the assist output shaft 73 is transmitted to the drive gear 81, and the rotation of the drive gear 81 is transmitted to the driven gear 83. The rotation of the driven gear 83 is transmitted to the drive shaft 82 of the hydraulic helm pump 45, and the hydraulic helm pump 45 is driven.
When the hydraulic helm pump 45 is driven, the hydraulic pressure acts on the right steering pipe 38 of the steering cylinder 25 shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 7A, the piston portion 27 of the steering cylinder 25 is moved in the right direction as indicated by the arrow G. As the piston portion 27 moves, the outboard motor main body 13 swings leftward as indicated by an arrow F about the swivel shaft 21 as an axis.
Therefore, the difference between the steering angle θ1 of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle θ2 of the outboard motor main body 13 can be eliminated (differences in the respective steering torques of the tiller handle 42 and the outboard motor main body 13 can be eliminated). .

That is, the steering angle θ1 of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle θ2 of the outboard motor main body 13 can be made the same.
As described above, according to the steering device 16, when there is a difference between the steering angle θ1 of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle θ2 of the outboard motor body 13, the tiller handle 42 is operated by the electric assist mechanism 43, the hydraulic helm pump 45, or the like. The outboard motor main body 13 can be steered by following the steering angle θ1.
Therefore, the difference between the steering angle θ1 of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle θ2 of the outboard motor main body 13 can be corrected.

The steering force (steering torque) of the tiller handle 42 can be assisted (assisted) by correcting the difference between the steering angles θ1 and θ2.
Thereby, the steering force of the tiller handle 42 can be reduced, and the operability of the tiller handle 42 can be improved.

Here, the operation when the tiller handle 42 is operated in the right direction to steer the outboard motor main body 13 in the left direction has been described. This steering operation is performed by operating the tiller handle 42 in the left direction. The same applies to the case where the main body 13 is steered in the right direction.
Therefore, the description of the case where the tiller handle 42 is operated to the left and the outboard motor main body 13 is steered to the right will be omitted.

Next, Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In addition, in Example 2, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same / similar member as the steering apparatus 16 of Example 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

An outboard motor steering apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the steering device 100 is provided with a mechanical helm mechanism (mechanical steering mechanism) 102 instead of the hydraulic helm pump 45 of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the steering device of the first embodiment. It is the same as 16.

The mechanical helm mechanism 102 is a helm mechanism in which a pulley 103 is coaxially provided on a drive shaft 82 and an operation cable 104 is attached to an outer periphery 103 a of the pulley 103.
The operation cable 104 is pulled out from the case 105, and a pair of end portions 104a and 104b are extended to the outboard motor main body 13 (see also FIG. 1).

One end 104 a is connected to the right end 107 a of the steering rod 107, and the other end 104 b is connected to the left end 107 b of the steering rod 107.
The steering rod 107 is supported so as to be slidable in the width direction of the hull while being penetrated by the support cylinder 106.
That is, the mechanical helm mechanism 102 is a mechanism for mechanically steering the outboard motor main body 13.

Next, the operation of the outboard motor steering apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 8, by operating the tiller handle 42 in the right direction as indicated by the arrow H, the outboard motor main body 13 is steered as indicated by the arrow I about the swivel shaft 21.

Here, for example, when the resistance of seawater or the like acting on the outboard motor main body 13 is small, a relatively small load F4 acts on the outboard motor main body 13.
Therefore, the tiller handle 42 and the outboard motor main body 13 are steered integrally with the swivel shaft 21 as an axis.
Thereby, there is no difference between the steering angle of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle of the outboard motor body 13. In other words, there is no difference between the steering torques of the tiller handle 42 and the outboard motor main body 13.

On the other hand, for example, when resistance such as seawater acting on the outboard motor main body 13 is large, a relatively large load F4 acts on the outboard motor main body 13.
Therefore, the tiller handle 42 swings as indicated by an arrow H about the torque input shaft 56.
As a result, a difference occurs in the steering angle of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle of the outboard motor main body 13. In other words, a difference occurs in each steering torque of the tiller handle 42 and the outboard motor main body 13.

In this case, the torsion bar 58 shown in FIG. 4 is twisted, and the steering torque is detected by the torque sensor 41 based on the twist of the torsion bar 58.
The detected steering torque is transmitted to the control unit 46, and a drive signal is transmitted from the control unit 46 to the electric assist mechanism 43 (electric actuator 71) based on the transmitted steering torque.

The electric actuator 71 is driven based on the transmitted drive signal, and the pinion 76 (see FIG. 6) rotates integrally with the output shaft 72 of the electric actuator 71.
By rotating the pinion 76, the rotation of the pinion 76 is transmitted to the assist output shaft 73 via the helical gear 77.

The rotation of the assist output shaft 73 is transmitted to the drive gear 81, and the rotation of the drive gear 81 is transmitted to the driven gear 83. The rotation of the driven gear 83 is transmitted to the drive shaft 82 of the mechanical helm mechanism 102, and the pulley 103 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 82 as shown by the arrow J in the clockwise direction.
As the pulley 103 rotates in the clockwise direction, the one end 104b of the operation cable 104 is pulled back as shown by an arrow K.

Accordingly, the steering rod 107 moves to the right, and the outboard motor main body 13 swings (steers) as indicated by the arrow I about the swivel shaft 21 in the left direction.
Thereby, the difference between the steering angle of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle of the outboard motor main body 13 can be eliminated (differences in the respective steering torques of the tiller handle 42 and the outboard motor main body 13 can be eliminated).

That is, the steering angle of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle of the outboard motor main body 13 can be made the same.
As described above, according to the steering device 100, when there is a difference between the steering angle of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle of the outboard motor body 13, the steering handle 42 is steered by the electric assist mechanism 43, the mechanical helm mechanism 102, or the like. The outboard motor main body 13 can be steered by following the angle.
Therefore, the difference between the steering angle of the tiller handle 42 and the steering angle of the outboard motor main body 13 can be corrected.

The steering force (steering torque) of the tiller handle 42 can be assisted (assisted) by correcting the difference between the steering angles by the mechanical helm mechanism 102 or the like.
As a result, like the first embodiment, the steering force of the tiller handle 42 can be reduced, and the operability of the tiller handle 42 can be improved.

Here, the operation when the tiller handle 42 is operated in the right direction to steer the outboard motor main body 13 in the left direction has been described. This steering operation is performed by operating the tiller handle 42 in the left direction. The same applies to the case where the main body 13 is steered in the right direction.
Therefore, the description of the case where the tiller handle 42 is operated to the left and the outboard motor main body 13 is steered to the right will be omitted.

By the way, by making the mechanical helm mechanism 102 usable in the second embodiment, both the hydraulic helm pump 45 (first embodiment) and the mechanical helm mechanism 102 (second embodiment) can be used as the helm mechanism.
Thereby, it becomes possible to select a suitable one for the hull 11 from the hydraulic helm pump 45 and the mechanical helm mechanism 102, and the degree of freedom of design can be increased.

  Furthermore, according to the steering device 100 according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the steering device 16 according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

Note that the outboard motor steering devices 16 and 100 according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be changed or improved as appropriate.
For example, in the first and second embodiments, an example in which a piston pump (plunger pump) is used as the hydraulic helm pump 45 of the helm mechanism 45 has been described. Other pumps such as devices can also be used.
For example, a cylinder-type hydraulic pressure generating device has a pinion that rotates integrally with the drive shaft by rotating the drive shaft, and the rack moves in the axial direction of the cylinder by the rotation of the pinion. The oil is moved in the axial direction of the cylinder and the oil in the cylinder is discharged by the movement of the piston.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the power transmission unit 44 is a gear transmission unit using the drive gear 81 and the driven gear 83 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other transmissions such as a chain and a belt are possible. It is also possible to use means.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the connecting arm used in a normal outboard motor is modified to be the connecting arm 28 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connecting arm 28 may be newly formed. Is possible.

  In the first embodiment, the connecting arm 28 is connected to the piston portion 27 of the cylinder unit 14 via the connecting bar 29. In the second embodiment, the connecting arm 28 is connected to the steering rod 107 via the connecting bar 29. However, the connecting bar 29 is not limited to the shape and configuration shown in the first and second embodiments, and can be appropriately changed.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the electric assist mechanism 43 and the hydraulic helm pump 45 are integrally provided on the right side portion 18 of the hull 11, and in the second embodiment, the electric assist mechanism 43 and the mechanical helm mechanism 102 are provided on the right side portion 18 of the hull 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each member may be provided at any part of the hull 11 or each member may be provided individually.

  Further, the outboard motor 10, the hull 11, the outboard motor main body 13, the steering device 16, 100, the engine 22, the propeller 23, the connecting arm 28, the torque sensor 41, the tiller handle 42, shown in the first and second embodiments. The shapes and configurations of the electric assist mechanism 43, the hydraulic helm pump 45, the control unit 46, the mechanical helm mechanism 102, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed.

  The present invention is suitable for application to an outboard motor in which a tiller handle is connected to the outboard motor main body and a steering device for steering the outboard motor main body with the tiller handle.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Outboard motor, 11 ... Hull, 13 ... Outboard motor main body, 16,100 ... Steering device (steering device of outboard motor), 22 ... Engine, 23 ... Propeller, 28 ... Connection arm (connection part), DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 ... Torque sensor, 42 ... Tiller handle, 43 ... Electric assist mechanism, 45 ... Hydraulic helm pump (helm mechanism), 46 ... Control part, 102 ... Mechanical helm mechanism (helm mechanism), θ1 ... Steering angle of tiller handle, θ2 ... Steering angle of the outboard motor body.

Claims (3)

In the outboard motor steering apparatus, the outboard motor main body is steerably provided in the hull, a tiller handle is connected to the outboard motor main body, and the outboard motor main body is steered by the tiller handle.
A torque sensor that detects a difference in steering angle between the outboard motor body and the tiller handle as a steering torque;
An electric assist mechanism that can be controlled based on the steering torque detected by the torque sensor;
A helm mechanism that corrects a difference in each steering angle of the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle by being driven by the electric assist mechanism;
With
The torque sensor is provided in a connecting portion that connects the outboard motor main body and the tiller handle;
A steering apparatus for an outboard motor, wherein the electric assist mechanism and the helm mechanism are provided in the hull. The helm mechanism is
2. The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outboard motor is a hydraulic helm pump that steers the outboard motor hydraulically or a mechanical helm mechanism that mechanically steers the outboard motor. The electric assist mechanism is
2. The outboard motor steering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steering apparatus is controlled based on a steering torque detected by the torque sensor and a rotation speed of an engine that drives a propeller of the outboard motor. 3.

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