WO2006068448A1

WO2006068448A1 - Automatic steering system of vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2006068448A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/004501
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sun-Sik Hong
Original assignee: Sun-Sik Hong
Priority date: 2004-12-23
Filing date: 2005-12-23
Publication date: 2006-06-29

Abstract

An automatic steering system of a vessel is disclosed, which comprises a running operation apparatus which includes: a running lever which is installed at a bridge of a vessel for controlling a speed and forward and back movements of the vessel; a link guide which is detachably engaged with the running lever; a link mechanism which is detachably engaged with the running lever and operates the running lever by receiving an external driving force; a gear box which allows the link mechanism to perform a relative movement, with an output shaft of the same being connected with the link mechanism; and a running motor which receives a certain operation signal and operates the gear box; and a remote controller which transmits an operation signal to the running motor and has a control key for an input of the operation signal.

Description

AUTOMATIC STEERING SYSTEM OF VESSEL

Technical Field The present invention relates to a steering apparatus installed at a small size vessel, and in particular to a vessel steering apparatus which can automatically control a running or steering operation of a vessel by detachably installing a vessel steering apparatus at a running lever or a steering lever of a small size vessel.

Background Art

Generally, a steering and speed of a vessel are controlled based on a bridge which performs a main steering operation, and a control unit which is engaged at the bridge. The control unit includes a running lever and a steering lever. The steering shaft and many cables provided for the above elements are extended into a steering room and are connected with various following apparatuses.

The following apparatus followed in accordance with the instructions of the control unit is designed to control a steering key or a driving force system based on various mechanical movements.

In generally, a person in the bridge manually controls the control unit adapted to control the steering key or driving force system.

According to the Korean utility model application No. 2000-0005979 of "Movable steering apparatus" and the Korean utility model application No. 2002- 0024565 of "Steering apparatus for vessel", there is provided a certain construction capable of automatically operating the above control unit.

The apparatuses according to the above applications are basically directed to automatically steering or operating a vessel so as to meet the requests in an increasing vessel market.

In the above apparatuses according to the above applications, a steering box, in which an electromagnetic solenoid valve or various gears are combined, is additionally provided and is electrically connected with a remote controller, so that the revolutions of the engine increase or decrease based on the operation of the remote controller for thereby operating a steering key.

However, in the case of the apparatuses of the above applications, it is needed to connect various hydraulic lines with the engine and transmission installed in the interior of the steering room, and a certain driving force source should be additionally provided so as to operate the above elements.

In addition, since it is needed to newly manufacture the complicated steering box and driving apparatuses, the owners of the vessels are reluctant to use the above apparatuses due to high cost.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the problems encountered in the conventional art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic steering system of a vessel which is capable of automatically steering an existing vessel and performing an acceleration and deceleration operation based on a minimum structure change.

It is further another object of the present invention to provide an automatic steering system of a vessel which it is possible to automatically operate using a remote controller.

It is still further another object of the present invention to provide an automatic steering system of a vessel in which a servo motor with an accurate speed control function is installed at a running operation apparatus and a steering operation apparatus, and a gear part and a link mechanism are engaged with an output shaft, so that an automatic operation can be accurately controlled based on the related operations of the above elements.

It is still further another object of the present invention to provide an automatic steering system of a vessel in which it is possible to easily confirm a steering angle and a running direction of a steering key.

It is still further another object of the present invention to provide an automatic steering system of a vessel in which the speed of a vessel can be controlled and at the same time an engine performance can be adjusted at a neutral state of an engine. To achieve the above objects, there is provided an automatic steering system of a vessel comprising a running operation apparatus which includes: a running lever which is installed at a bridge of a vessel for controlling a speed and forward and back movements of the vessel; a link guide which is detachably engaged with the running lever; a link mechanism which is detachably engaged with the running lever and operates the running lever by receiving an external driving force; a gear box which allows the link mechanism to perform a relative movement, with an output shaft of the same being connected with the link mechanism; and a running motor which receives a certain operation signal and operates the gear box; and a remote controller which transmits an operation signal to the running motor and has a control key for an input of the operation signal.

The link guide includes a coupler fixedly inserted into the running lever, and a knob which is detachably engaged with the coupler and connects the link mechanism with the running lever.

The link mechanism includes a driven joint which is detachably engaged with the running lever and transfers an operational force to the running lever, and a driving joint which is hinged at the driven joint and is drivingly engaged at the output shaft of the hear box.

The running motor includes an over current protector for limiting the current flowing to the running motor when an over current flows.

The remote controller is wire-connected with the steering motor for thereby transmitting an operation signal. The remote controller is engaged at a necklace or a bracelet for thereby transmitting the operation signal to the running motor based on the wireless method.

To achieve the above objects, there is provided an automatic steering system of a vessel, comprising a steering operation apparatus which includes a steering handle installed at a bridge of a vessel for steering the operation direction of the vessel, a steering shaft for transferring a steering force of the steering handle, a handle clutch which is engaged at a lower side of the steering handle and operates in an axial direction, a motor unit which transfers a steering force to the steering handle when it is engaged with the handle clutch operated in the axial direction and allows the steering handle to manually operate when it is disengaged from the hand clutch, and a steering motor for receiving the operation signal and operating the steering motor; and a remote controller which transmits the operation signal to the steering motor and is provided with a control key for an input of the operation signal.

The hand clutch includes a housing fixed at a lower side of the steering handle, an operation clutch which is inserted into the interior of the housing and includes a shaft hole formed at the center for passing the steering shaft and moves up and down in the axial direction by an external force, an elastic member which is disposed between the housing and the operation clutch for elastically biasing the operation clutch upward, and an operation unit which is inserted into the interior of the housing and moves the operation clutch downward by pressing the same. The motor unit includes a worm wheel which has a shaft hole formed at the center of the same for passing the steering shaft and a fixing clutch engaged with the operation clutch at one side of the same, and a worm gear which is engaged with the worm wheel for thereby rotating the worm wheel, with the steering motor being axial-engaged with the worm gear for thereby rotating the worm wheel.

The motor unit includes a casing in which the worm wheel and worm gear are installed, and a bearing for fixing the worm wheel at the interior of the casing.

The operation clutch and the fixing clutch are formed of crown gears, with the steering motor being formed of a servo motor.

The servo motor includes an over current protector for limiting the current flowing in the steering motor when an over current flows. The control key of the remote controller is formed of one of a dial key and a short cut key.

The remote controller is wire-connected with the steering motor for thereby transmitting an operation signal.

The remote controller is installed at either a necklace or a bracelet and transmits an operation signal to the steering motor based on a wireless method.

The remote controller is formed in a T-shape.

An axial direction operation member is installed at a lower surface of the casing and operates in an axial direction by an electromagnetic force, and the axial direction operation member moves the fixing clutch in an axial direction, which rotates together with the worm gear, along the steering shaft when power is supplied based on an operation of a control key installed at the remote controller or another control key installed at the bridge, so that the axial direction operation member is engaged with the operation clutch rotating together with the steering wheel.

The axial direction operation member is formed of an electromagnetic solenoid or an electromagnetic actuator.

To achieve the above objects, there is provided an automatic steering system of a vessel, comprising a running operation apparatus which includes a running lever which is installed at a bridge of a vessel for controlling a speed and forward and backward movement of the vessel, a first clutch unit which is installed at a rotary shaft of the running lever, and a running motor which is installed at an end of the rotary shaft of the running lever and receives a certain operation signal and rotates the rotary shaft; and a remote controller which transmits an operation signal to the running motor and has a control key for an input of the operation signal.

The first clutch unit is formed of an electronic clutch which selectively connect a rotational force of the running motor in accordance with an electrical signal.

The first clutch unit is formed of a manual clutch which selectively connects a rotational force of the running motor based on a manual operation.

There is further provided a vessel operation state display apparatus which is installed at a bridge of the vessel and displays a steering angle in a form of a resistance value corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor installed at one side of the rudder.

The vessel operation state display apparatus includes a variable resistor unit which is connected at a rudder stock connected with a rudder and changes a variable resistance value into a signal based on a rotation of the rudder, an adjusting unit which compares the variable resistance value and a reference current value and adjusts and outputs a comparison resistance value, a microprocessor unit which changes the received comparison resistance value into a data form for a step-to-step output, and a display unit which sequentially displays the rotation angle based on the comparison resistance value outputted through the microprocessor.

In the display unit, a plurality of module type light emitting diodes are arranged in a horizontal direction, and a reference light emitting diode is installed at the center of the module type light emitting diodes, with the reference light emitting diode indicating the supply of the power or the neutral state of the steering angle.

The display unit is installed at the remote controller in the same type as the above. A compass is installed at one side of the display unit for indicating a movement direction of the vessel.

The remote controller further includes a vessel acceleration and deceleration state display unit which indicates an acceleration and deceleration of the vessel based on the resistance value corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor cooperating with the running lever.

The running lever is installed at one side of the lever box and includes an engine output adjusting apparatus which is installed at one side of the running lever and moves the running lever forward or backward when the running lever is moved in the axial direction in a neutral state of the engine for thereby adjusting the output of the engine.

The engine output adjusting apparatus includes a male adaptor which is engaged at an end of the rotary shaft of the running lever, a female adaptor which is pin-engaged at the male adaptor, a second clutch unit of which an output shaft is pin-engaged at the female adaptor, and an adjusting motor of which an output shaft is engaged at the second clutch unit, with the adjusting motor being controlled by the remote controller.

The lever box of the second clutch unit is mounted at an upper surface of the base, and an elongated hole is formed at the base in a longitudinal direction for guiding the movement of the second clutch unit.

The second clutch unit is formed of an electronic clutch at the same axis as the adjusting motor and operates in accordance with a control of the remote controller and adjusts an output by moving the running lever in the forward or backward direction, and a decelerator is integrally provided at the adjusting motor.

An output adjusting switch is installed at one side of the remote controller for operating the adjusting motor and the second clutch unit.

To achieve the above objects, there is provided an automatic operation system of a vessel, comprising a running operation apparatus which includes a running lever installed at a bridge of a vessel for controlling a forward and backward movement of the vessel, a first sprocket fixed at a rotary shaft of the running lever, a running motor which operates in accordance with an operation signal, a second sprocket fixed at an output shaft of the running motor, and a chain for drivingly connecting the sprockets; and a remote controller which transmits an operation signal to the running motor and includes a control key for an input of the operation signal. An engine up and down adjusting switch is installed at the other side of the remote controller for an input of the operation signal for moving up and down the rear end engine part of the vessel.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vessel provided with an automatic steering system according to the present invention;

Figure 2A is a perspective view illustrating a running adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention; Figure 2B is a perspective view illustrating a connection relationship between a running lever and a link mechanism based on a knob in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 2C is a perspective view illustrating a coupler according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2D is a block diagram illustrating an over current protector adapted to a running motor in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 2E is a perspective view illustrating a running adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2F is a perspective view illustrating a vessel provided with a running adjusting apparatus of Figure 2E according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3A is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a steering adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 3B is a cross sectional view illustrating a steering adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 3C is a circuit diagram illustrating a variable resistor unit adapted to a remote controller and a steering shaft in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention; Figure 3D is a perspective view illustrating a remote controller adapted in an automatic steering system according to the present invention;

Figure 4A is a view illustrating an operation state of a link mechanism in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 4B is a view illustrating an operation state of a running lever which moves forward by a running adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 4C is a circuit diagram illustrating a forward movement operation of a vessel of which a circuit is installed at a remote controller in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 5A is a view illustrating an operation state of a running lever which moves forward by a running adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention; Figure 5B is a circuit diagram illustrating a backward operation of a vessel of which a circuit is installed at a remote controller in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 6A is a view illustrating an installation state in which a steering key related with a steering adjusting apparatus is installed at a vessel in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 6B is a cross sectional view illustrating a state that an operation clutch of a steering adjusting system is engaged with a motor unit in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 6C is an operation circuit diagram illustrating a circuit installed at a remote controller so as to steer a steering handle leftward in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is an operation circuit diagram illustrating a circuit installed at a remote controller so as to steer a steering handle rightward in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention; Figures 8A through 8C are disassembled perspective views and cross sectional views illustrating a steering adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a view illustrating a use state of a remote controller in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 10 is a view illustrating an operation of a fixing cap in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention; Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating a vessel running state display apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figures 12A and 12B are views illustrating a variable resistor unit is engaged at a steering key of a vessel or a link cooperating with a steering key according to the present invention;

Figures 13A through 13E are views illustrating various operations of a vessel running state display apparatus according to the present invention;

Figures 14 through 16 are views illustrating various examples of a remote controller in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic steering system of a vessel provided with an engine output adjusting apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 18 is a view illustrating an engine output adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 19 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating an engine output adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention; Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating an engagement of an engine output adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 21 is a view illustrating an operation of an engine output adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention;

Figure 22 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic steering system of a vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23 is a view illustrating an operation of an automatic steering system of a vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 24 is a view illustrating an up and down movement of a rear engine part provided at an engine up and down adjusting switch in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same elements or similar elements. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vessel provided with an automatic steering system according to the present invention.

As shown therein, a bridge 1 provides various commands for operating a vessel and comprises various driven apparatuses, such as a running operation apparatus 10 and a steering operation apparatus 20.

Figure 2A is a perspective view illustrating a running adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention. As shown therein, the running operation apparatus 10 is installed at the bridge 1 of a vessel and comprises a running lever 12 which moves forward or backward so as to operate a speed of a vessel and a forward and backward movement of the vessel, a link guide 13 which is detachably engaged at the running lever 12, a link mechanism 14 which is detachably engaged at the link guide 13 and operates the running lever 12 by receiving an external driving force and is formed of at least one joint, a gear box 16 which is engaged with a gear 16a for operating the link mechanism 14 with an output shaft 15a being connected with the link mechanism 14, and a running motor 18 which operates the gear box 16 by receiving a certain operation signal. Here, the running lever 12 operating as the running operation apparatus

10 of the vessel is hinged and movable forward or backward for thereby outputting the running, forward movement or backward movement command of the vessel and is connected through a transmission and cable of the engine or a mechanical apparatus. Figure 2B is a perspective view illustrating a connection relationship between a running lever and a link mechanism based on a knob in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, and Figure 2C is a perspective view illustrating a coupler according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown therein, the link guide 13 is detachably engaged at the running lever 12 and provides the running lever 12 with a certain operation.

The link guide 13 includes a coupler 13a in which the running lever 12 is fixedly inserted, and a knob 13b which is protruded in a vertical direction of the coupler 13a.

The coupler 13a may be fixed at an outer surface of the running lever 12, and as shown in Figure 2C the coupler 13a may be formed in a separate type in another embodiment of the present invention. A cylindrical fixed terminal 13b' may be integrally provided at the knob

13b protruded in the vertical direction of the coupler 13a, and the fixed terminal 13b' is fixed at one side of the coupler 13a.

The link mechanism 14 is detachably engaged at the fixed terminal 13b' of the knob 13b and is formed of at least one joint which sequentially transfers the externally transferred driving force.

In addition, the link mechanism 14 is provided with a continuous operation by the above joints and allows the running lever 12 to move forward and backward.

The link mechanism 14 formed of at least one joint comprises a driven joint 14a for transferring the driving force to the running lever 12, and a driving joint 14b hinged at the driven joint 14a.

The driven joint 14a finally transfers the externally inputted driving force to the running lever 12. The driven joint 14a is detachably engaged at the running lever 12.

The front end 14a' of the driven joint 14a is engaged with the knob 13b engaged at the coupler 13a of the link guide 13, preferably, at the fixed terminal 13b' and is formed in a ring shape for pulling or pushing the same, and the fixing bar 15 is hinged at the lower side of the driven joint 14a.

The fixing bar 15 operates the up and down directions. When the fixing bar 15 is rotated in the upward direction, the fixing bar 15 contacts with the ring shaped front end 14a'.

A fixing cap 17 is engaged at the driven joint 14a. Preferably, the fixing cap 17 is positioned in the interior of the driven joint

14a and moves in the longitudinal direction of the driven joint 14a. Here, the internal size of the fixing cap 17 is the same as the size when the driven joint 14a and the fixing bar 15 closely contact with each other or is slightly larger than the size of the same. The driving joint 16b transfers an external driving force to the driven joint

14a and converts the rotational movement into a straight movement and is connected with the gear box 16.

As shown in Figure 2B, the gears 16a are engaged in the interior of the gear box 16. Here, the gears 16a are a bevel gear for converting the rotational direction into the vertical direction and are spur gears. An output shaft 16a' is installed at the gear 16a.

The output shaft 16a' is drivingly connected with the driving joint 14b, and the rotation of the output shaft 16a allows the driving joint 14b to rotate based on the engagement of the gear 16a.

The running motor 18 drives the engaged gears 16a and receives an external operation command. Here, the running motor 18 is preferably a servo motor which can freely perform a normal rotation or a reverse rotation. The running motor 18 is provided with an over current protector 19 for preventing any damages of the running motor 18.

Figure 2d is a block diagram of the over current protector. As shown therein, the over current protection comprises an input detector 19a formed of a meter current unit (CT) for detecting the inputted voltage, a reference setting unit 19b for setting a voltage valve which is a reference for the use of a zenor diode and transferring to a variable resistor unit, and a signal input detector 19c for comparing the inputted voltage value with a set voltage value and disconnecting the circuit using a relay when the inputted voltage value is larger than the set voltage value. The remote controller 30 includes a control key 32 for transmitting commands for controlling the running motor 18, and the remote controller 30 is connected with the running motor for accurately controlling the operation of the same.

The control key 32 may be formed of a dial type encoder or a button type using a variable resistor unit for thereby freely controlling the operation of the vessel.

The running lever 12 may operate beyond the operation distance during the operation. Therefore, so as to prevent the over operation, a stopper 16b is installed at a lower side of the running lever 12 for thereby controlling the operation distance of the running lever 12 during the over operation.

The running operation apparatus 10 for a vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 2E is a perspective view illustrating a running adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2F is a perspective view illustrating a vessel provided with a running adjusting apparatus of Figure 2E according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the running operation apparatus 10 according to the present invention is not dependent on the construction of the link mechanism. An existing manual clutch unit (not shown) or a clutch unit 40, which uses an electromagnetic force, may be adapted.

The first clutch unit 40 comprises a running motor 18, and a manual clutch (not shown) or an electronic clutch 42 which connects or disconnects the operation of the running motor 18 to/from the running lever 12.

The running motor 18 is formed of a servo motor which provides a free speed control function and a normal or reverse direction rotation.

A driving side, preferably, a driving clutch 44 is engaged at the shaft end of the driving motor 18.

The driven clutch 46 opposite to the driving clutch 44 is provided with a driven shaft 46' coaxially extended from the driven clutch 46, with the driven shaft 46' being key-engaged with the running lever 12 or being integrally engaged with the same.

In the electronic clutch 42, the driving clutch 44 and the driven clutch 46 are connected or disconnected based on the supply of the power.

When power is supplied to the driving motor 18 so as to move the vessel, the power is also supplied to the electronic clutch 42, and the rotational force of the running motor 18 is transferred to the driven shaft 46'.

The running lever 12 connected with the driven shaft 46' moves forward or backward in proportion to the rotation of the running motor 18 for thereby controlling the speed of the vessel. So as to move the vessel backward, it is needed to rotate the running motor 18 in the reverse direction. The reverse rotational force is transferred to the electronic clutch 42, and the transferred reverse rotational force operates the running lever 12, so that the vessel moves backwards.

The first clutch unit 40 may be provided in the interior of the lever box 11 in which the running lever 12 is engaged. In addition, the first clutch unit 40 may be connected or disconnected by controlling the running motor 18 or by supplying power to the electronic clutch 42. The above function may be adapted to the remote controller 30. Even when the electronic clutch 42 is connected, the running lever 12 may be manually operated. In the present invention, the first clutch unit 40 may be constructed with various mechanical constructions or using the electronic clutch 42. The above construction is not limited. Namely, the running operation apparatus 10 engaged with only the running lever 12 may be adapted. Figure 3A is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a steering adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, and Figure 3B is a cross sectional view illustrating a steering adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention.

As shown therein, the steering operation apparatus 20 comprises a steering handle 22 installed at the bridge 1 of the vessel for steering the running direction of the vessel, a steering shaft 24 for transferring a steering force of the steering handle 22, a handle clutch 26 engaged at the lower side of the steering handle 22 and operating in the axial direction, a motor unit 27 which transfers a steering force to the steering handle 22 when engaged with the hand clutch 26 operating in the axial direction and allows the steering handle 22 to operate manually when separated from the handle clutch 26, and a steering motor 27d which receives a certain operation signal and operates the motor unit 27. In the steering operation apparatus 20 of the vessel, the steering handle

22 is engaged with the steering shaft 24, and the steering shaft 24 operates the rudder 21 engaged at the rear side of the vessel through various driving force transfer systems for thereby steering the running direction of the vessel.

The present invention is basically directed to automating the above steering operation apparatus 20. The handle clutch 26 is installed at the lower side of the steering handle 22.

The handle clutch 26 according to the present invention comprises a housing 26a fixed at the lower side of the steering handle 22, an operation clutch 25 which is inserted in the interior of the housing 26a and has a shaft hole 27a' for receiving the steering shaft 24 and moves up and down when an external force is applied thereto, an elastic member 23 which is installed between the housing 26a and the operation clutch 25 for elastically biasing the operation clutch 25 upwards, and an operation unit 29 which is inserted in the interior of the housing 26a for pressing the operation clutch and moving the same downwards.

The housing 26a receives the operation clutch 25 and the operation unit 29 therein, with a plurality of engaging parts 26b being formed at the inner surface of the same.

Here, the engaging parts 26b fix or unfix the operation unit. A plurality of guide grooves 26c are formed in the housing 26a for guiding the operation of the operation unit 29 at the same plane as the inner surface of the housing 26a. An engaging terminal 26d is formed between the guide grooves 26c, with the step shoulder 26d' being more protruded than the inner surface of the housing 26a, and with the operated operation unit 29 being engaged by the step shoulder 26d'.

The operation unit 29 is guided along the guide groove 26c and stops when it is caught by the step shoulder 26d' of the engaging terminal 26d. At this time, the elastic member 23 pushes the operation clutch 25 upwards.

The operation unit 29 is positioned at the upper side of the operation clutch 25 and facially contacts with the same and is provided with a guide button 29b which is fixed or unfixed based on the guide of the guide groove 26c and the engaging terminal 26d formed at the inner surface of the housing 26a during the operation, and an operation button 29c which operates the guide button 29b.

The guide button 29b is provided with a guide terminal 29b' guided by the guide groove 26c formed at the inner surface of the housing 26a during the operation. When the operation finished, it is caught by the step shoulder 26d' of the engaging terminal 26d.

The operation button 29c is positioned at the upper side of the guide button 29b protruded from the upper side of the steering handle 22, with the lower end of the same being caught by the housing 26a for thereby preventing an escape of the same to the outside. When it is pushed, it operates up and down in the interior of the housing 26a.

Here, the elastic member 23 pushes the operation clutch 25 upwards in the interior of the housing 26a. As the guide button 29b and the operation button 29c are sequentially pushed upwards, the operation button 29c is protruded from the upper side of the steering handle 22.

When the motor unit 27 is engaged with the operation clutch 25 which operates in the axial direction, it transfers the steering force to the steering handle 22. When the motor unit 27 and the operation clutch 25 are disconnected, it is possible to manually steer the steering handle 22. The motor unit 27 comprises a worm wheel 27a having a fixing clutch

27b engaged with the operation clutch 25 at one side, with a shaft hole 27a' being formed at the center of the same for passing the steering shaft 24, and a worm gear 27c which is driven by the steering motor 27d and is engaged with the worm wheel 27a for thereby rotating the worm wheel 27a.

A gear part engaged with the worm gear 27c is formed along an outer surface of the worm wheel 27a, and a shaft hole 27a' is formed at the center of the wheel and is larger than the steering shaft 24. A fixing clutch 27b engaged or disengaged with the operation clutch 25 is formed at the front side of the worm wheel 27a, namely, in the direction that the hand clutch 26 is positioned.

The operation clutch 25 and the fixing clutch 27b are engaged with each other. The operation clutch 25 and the fixing clutch 27b are preferably formed of crown gears for an efficient engagement during the operation.

The worm gear 27c engaged with the worm wheel 27a for rotating the worm wheel 27a is engaged with the output shaft of the steering motor 27d.

The steering motor 27d according to the present invention is formed of a servo motor capable of freely controlling the normal and reverse rotations and the acceleration and deceleration operations like the running motor 18. The steering motor 27d is provided with the over current protector 19 which is provided at the running motor 18 of the running operation apparatus 10.

The motor unit 27 comprises a casing 27e for installing the worm wheel 27a and the worm gear 27c therein, and a bearing 27f for fixing the worm gear 27a in the interior of the casing 2Oe.

The casing 27e installs the worm wheel 27a and the worm gear therein, and the casing 27e is fixed at the bridge 1.

The bearing 27f is formed of a deep groove ball bearing for effectively fixing the worm wheel 17a at the casing 27e.

Various control keys 32 are provided at the remote controller 30 for controlling the motor unit 27, with the control keys 32 being adapted so as to transmit control commands. The above operations are performed for the same purposes as the purposes of the running operation apparatus 10. A dial type encoder or a button type are adapted at the control keys 32 using the variable resistor unit. It is possible to freely control the steering operation of the vessel by providing the variable resistor unit at the steering shaft 24. Figure 3C is a circuit diagram illustrating the variable resistor unit adapted to the remote controller and the steering shaft.

As shown therein, the variable resistor unit 34 is adapted so as to freely perform the running operation and steering function. A transistor 36 having an amplification function and a switching function is adapted. In the present invention, a high amplification transistor 36a is mounted so as to perform a desired operation under any condition for thereby operating a large size current.

Namely, the variable resistor unit 34 installed in the remote controller 30 and cooperating with the control key 32 and the variable resistor unit (not shown) installed in the motor unit 27 compare the resistance values using a comparison calculation circuit(not shown) and identically adjust the resistance values.

The steering angle determined based on the command from the control key 32 is expressed as the resistance value by the variable resistor unit 34 installed in the remote controller 30, and the resistance value is compared with the value of the variable resistor unit installed in the motor unit 27 and is changed to the resistance value same as the resistance value of the variable resistor unit 34 installed in the remote controller 30. The steering motor 27d is controlled in accordance with the change resistance value, and the worm gear 27c rotates, and the worm wheel 27a rotates for thereby steering the steering shaft 24.

Figure 3D is a perspective view illustrating the remote controller. As shown therein, the present invention is configured in a T-shape structure for an easier operation using the remote controller 30. The handle 38 is formed in a straight shape.

Various control keys 32 are provided at the remote controller. It is easy to recognize the operation position based on the construction of an upwardly protruded head part 39, so that the problems occurring when holding the remote controller 30 in bad manner can be prevented.

The operations and effects of the running operation apparatus 10 and the steering operation apparatus according to the present invention will be described in details.

First, when the running operation apparatus 10 operates, the forward and backward operations of the vessel will be described.

Figure 4A is a view illustrating an operation state of a link mechanism in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, Figure 4B is a view illustrating an operation state of a running lever which moves forward by a running adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, and Figure 4C is a circuit diagram illustrating a forward movement operation of a vessel of which a circuit is installed at a remote controller in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention.

As shown in Figures 4A through 4C, the ring shaped structure formed at the front end 14a' of the driven joint 14a of the link mechanism 14 is hung at the fixed terminal 13b' of the coupler 13a engaged at the running lever 12 before the remote controller 30 operates. Next, the fixing bar 15 hinged at the lower side of the driven joint 14a is lifted up, and the fixing cap 17 is pushed in the direction of the coupler 13a, and the front end 14a' of the driven joint 14a are the fixing bar 15 get closer with each other, so that the coupler 13a and the driven joint 14a are engaged.

In this state, when the forward control key 32 of the remote controller 30 is pressed, the running motor 18 rotates, and the engaged gear 16a rotates.

Since the driving joint 14b is drivingly engaged at the output shaft 16a' of the gear 16a, the driven joint 14a connected with the driving joint 14b operates based on the operation of the gear 16a.

At this time, since the driven joint 14a should straight-reciprocates, the output shaft 16a' of the gear 16a should move, not rotate.

As the driven joint 14a operates, the running lever 12 connected with the coupler 13a operates.

The over current protector 19 and the variable resistor unit 34 are mounted at the running motor 18 and the remote controller 30, respectively. With this construction, it is possible to prevent any damages of the running motor 18 due to the over current as the running lever 12 operates with an over load. A desired speed can be achieved by accurately controlling the running motor 18.

Figure 5A is a view illustrating an operation state of a running lever which moves forward by a running adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, and Figure 5B is a circuit diagram illustrating a backward operation of a vessel of which a circuit is installed at a remote controller in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention.

As shown therein, the running lever 12 may operate in the reverse procedure by operating the remote controller 30.

The above operation will be described in details. When the backward control key 32 of the remote controller 30 is pressed, the running motor 18 rotates in the reverse direction and allows the gear 16a to rotate. The driving joint 14b and the driven joint 14a connected with the above elements operate, and the running lever 12 engaged at the coupler 13a operates.

The acceleration or deceleration of the vessel may be easily achieved by modifying the above construction and circuits.

The steering operation of the vessel based on the steering operation apparatus 20 according to the present invention will be described.

Figure 6A is a view illustrating an installation state in which a steering key related with a steering adjusting apparatus is installed at a vessel in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, Figure 6B is a cross sectional view illustrating a state that an operation clutch of a steering adjusting system is engaged with a motor unit in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, and Figure 6C is an operation circuit diagram illustrating a circuit installed at a remote controller so as to steer a steering handle leftward in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention.

As shown in Figures 6A through 6C, the operation clutch 25 installed at the lower side of the steering handle 22 operates.

When the operation button 29c is pushed, the guide button 29b facially contacting in the interior of the housing 26a is pushed, and the guide button 29b allows the operation button 29b to move, so that the operation clutch 25 is more protruded from the back side of the housing 26a. The protruded operation clutch 25 is engaged with the fixing clutch 27b of the motor unit 27.

At this time, the guide terminal 29b' of the guide button 29b is guided along the guide groove 26c formed at the inner surface of the housing 26a during the operation and is fixed at the step shoulder 26d' of the engaging terminal 26d, so that the release operation becomes standby. Continuously, when the left control key 32 provided at the remote controller 30 is pressed, the steering motor 27d rotates.

Since the variable resistor unit 34 is mounted at the remote controller 30 and the motor unit 27, respectively, it is possible to accurately control the steering motor 21 ύ.

The rotating steering motor 27d rotates the worm gear 27c, and the driven worm gear 27c rotates the worm wheel 27a engaged with the same.

The worm gear 27a is provided with the fixing clutch 27b, and the operation clutch 25 is engaged with the fixing clutch 27b, so that the worm wheel 27a rotates in the rotation direction of the fixing clutch 27b for thereby achieving a desired steering operation.

Figure 7 is an operation circuit diagram illustrating a circuit installed at a remote controller so as to steer a steering handle rightward in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention.

As shown therein, when the right control key 32 provided at the remote controller 30 is pressed, the steering motor 27d rotates in the reverse direction and performs the same operation as the left steering operation.

As shown in Figure 3A, the operation button 29c, which is in the standby state for an operation of returning to the original state after the steering is automatically performed, is pressed again.

The guide terminal 29b' of the guide button 29b is pushed downward lower than the step shoulder 26d' of the engaging terminal 26d, and at the same time the operation clutch 25 is pushed upwards by an elastic repulsive force of the elastic member 23 provided between the housing 26a and the operation clutch 25.

Therefore, the guide button 29b returns to the original position, so that it is possible to manually operate the steering handle 22. As well understood with the above descriptions, the present invention is basically directed to fully controlling the vessel at a certain place except for the bridge 1 by providing the running operation apparatus 10 and the steering operation apparatus 20 and the remote controller 30 for controlling the above elements.

In the present invention, various modifications are possible. For example, when two running levers 12 may be provided, the running operation apparatus

10 according to the present invention, and the control circuits of performing the functions of the remote controller 30 may be newly constructed and adapted. Various control keys 32 may be provided.

Namely, the steering commands may be outputted by engaging the operation clutch 25 and the fixing clutch 27b in the automatic method, not in the manual method.

Figures 8A through 8C are disassembled perspective views and cross sectional view of the steering operation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown therein, an axial direction operation member 40 operating in an axial direction is installed at a lower surface of the casing 27e.

The axial direction operation member 40 may be formed of a solenoid or actuator, and the body 44 is fixed at the casing 27e and includes a piston 42.

A control key 32 may be provided at either the remote controller 30 or the bridge 1. When power is supplied, the axial direction operation member 40 operates the piston 42 with electromagnetic force. Since the operated piston 42 is fixed at a finish plate 50, the piston 42 pulls the same.

Here, the finish plate 50 moves by the distance H, and the fixing clutch 27b moves in the direction that the finish plate 50 moves and is engaged with the operation clutch 25, with the fixing clutch 27b being assembled so as to relatively rotate with the finish plate 50.

The fixing clutch 27b, the worm wheel 27a assembled through a spline, and the steering shaft 24 rotating together with the operation clutch 25 are connected with each other and rotate by the steering motor 27d. Here, reference character H represents the operation distance of the piston 42 of the axial direction operation member 40 and the finish plate 50 engaged with the piston 42.

When returning to the original position, the reverse operation of the above engagement operation is performed. The steering motor 27d operates in accordance with a steering command or a previously set program for thereby allowing the fixing clutch 27b to rotate.

The thusly driven fixing clutch 27b rotates the steering shaft 24 for thereby performing a steering command.

As shown in Figure 9, the remote controller 30 may be provided in a form of a necklace or a bracelet or may be designed to operate based on a wireless method by adapting a known wireless communication method using a bluetooth which performs a local area communication.

Figure 10 is a view illustrating another example of a fixing cap according to the present invention.

As shown therein, the front end of the fixing cap 17 may be protruded, so that it can be used as a fixing bar 15.

Various gears adapted at the running operation apparatus 10 and the steering operation apparatus 20 may be formed of deceleration gears or may be connected with an automatic navigation apparatus provided at a vessel.

As shown in Figures 1 , 11 and 12, the automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention may comprise a vessel operation state displace apparatus 100 which processes a resistance value of the variable resistor unit 111 cooperating with the rudder 21 and indicates a state of a steering angle with the resistance value corresponding to the processed value.

The vessel operation state display apparatus 100 comprises a variable resistor unit 110 which is engaged at a rudder stock 6 connected with the rudder 21 and processes a variable resistance value into a signal value based on the rotation of the rudder 21 , an adjusting unit 120 which compares the variable resistance value with a reference current value and adjusts and outputs a comparison resistance value, a microprocessor 130 which changes the received comparison resistance value into a data for a step-by-step output, and a display unit 140 which sequentially displays a rotational angle based on the comparison resistance value outputted from the microprocessor unit 130.

The rudder 21 is positioned at a rear end of the vessel for adjusting the direction of the vessel. The rudder stock 6 is a part of moving the rudder 21 and transfers a mechanical energy generated at the steering operation apparatus 20 to the rudder 21. When the rudder 21 operates, the rudder stock 6 directly receives the rotational force of the shaft.

As shown in Figure 11 , the variable resistor unit 110 is formed of a variable resistor 111 cooperating with the rudder 21. As shown in Figure 12A, the variable resistor 111 is installed at the rudder stock 6 or the axial line of the rudder 21 and measures the resistance value based on the rotation of the rudder stock 6 or the rudder 21 and transmits a certain resistance value. Here, the variable resistor 111 is formed of a step-type variable resistor provided with a notch for changing to multiple resistance values. As shown in Figure 12B, the variable resistor 111 is connected based on the link mechanism 114 for thereby measuring the resistance values based on the rotation of the rudder 21 in various methods. The variable resistor 111 may be installed in the interior of the vessel so as to protect the variable resistor 111 based on the characteristics of the rudder 21 installed at the rear end of the vessel, so that it is possible to prevent corrosion or error.

The adjusting unit 120 is provided with a reference current value and compares the reference current value with the resistance value varied by the variable resistor 111 and outputs a resistance value.

The microprocessor unit 130 changes the resistance value into a data so that the resistance value received from the adjusting unit 120 can be outputted step-by-step. Preferably, every steering angle of 5° can be indicated as one data value. In the case that the steering angle is ±5°, two data values are stored. In the case of ±180°, 72 data values are totally stored. More preferably, 10 data values are totally stored in consideration with the size of the display unit 140.

The display unit 140 allows the light emitting diodes 141 to sequentially flash in proportion to the comparison resistance value outputted through the microprocessor unit 130. The light emitting diode 141 operates based on the data value stored in the microprocessor 130 and sequentially flashes based on the comparison resistance value compared by the microprocessor 130 and visually displays the steering angle of the rudder 21.

The light emitting diodes 141 according to the present invention are provided in the module type so as to output 10 data values. In particular, the light emitting diode 141 positioned at the center indicates the supply of the power, so that the neutral state of the steering angle can be checked.

The operations and effects of the vessel operation state display apparatus will be described. As shown in Figures 13A through 13E, the vessel operation state display apparatus allows the light emitting diodes 141 to sequentially flash, which are installed at then display unit 40 based on the rotation angle of the rudder 21.

As shown in Figures 11 through 13A, when the rudder 21 rotates in the left direction at 20°, two light emitting diodes 141 of the display unit 140 flash. In addition, the data value is stored in the microprocessor unit 130 at the reference angle of 10°.

As shown in Figures 16B through 13D, when the rudder 21 rotates in the left direction at 40°, four light emitting diodes 141 of the left side flash. In the case of the right direction, the light emitting diodes of the right side sequentially flash at every 10° based on the rotation angle of the rudder 21.

Figure 13E is a view of the light emitting diode 141 which indicates the neutral state of the steering angle. Since the current always flows in the display unit 140, it is possible to indicate the supply of the power using the light emitting diode 141 which indicates the neutral state of the steering angle. When there is not any difference at the comparison resistance value outputted from the microprocessor unit 130, the above state may be indicated in the above manner.

Namely, it is possible to easily check the steering state through the display unit 140 which includes the variable resistor 111 for measuring the rotation of the rudder 21 , namely, the steering state, and the light emitting diode

141 which indicate the measured state as the rotation angle.

In the present invention, it is obvious that various modifications are possible. For example, as shown in Figure 14, a compass 150 may be installed at the display unit 140 for thereby indicating the running direction of the vessel. As shown in Figure 15, the display unit 140 is engaged at the same axis of the remote controller 30, so that it is possible to check the steering angle upon the steering using the remote controller 30.

As shown in Figure 16, a vessel acceleration and deceleration state display unit 140 including the light emitting diode 141' may be provided at the remote controller 30 so as to check the forward and backward movements or the acceleration and deceleration of the vessel by installing the variable resistor

111 ' at the running lever 12 provided at the steering chamber. Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic steering system of a vessel provided with an engine output adjusting apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 18 is a view illustrating an engine output adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, and Figure 19 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating an engine output adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention.

As shown in Figures 17 through 19, in the automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention, the running lever 12 is axially engaged with the lever box 11 at the bridge 1. An engine output adjusting apparatus 200 is installed at one side of the running lever 12 for adjusting the engine output by moving the running lever 12 forward or backward when the running lever 12 is moved in the axial direction from the neutral state of the engine. The running lever 12 is protruded from the outer side of the lever box 11 , and the rotary shaft 12a of the running lever 12 is detachably engaged at the gear group (not shown) of the transmission connected with the running lever 12. The running lever 12 is moved in the axial direction on the rotary shaft 12a. The transmission is preferably provided in the lever box 11.

Since the rotary shaft 12a is integrally formed with the running lever 12, the running lever 12 rotates in the same direction in proportion to the rotation of the rotary shaft 12a.

Here, the engine output adjusting apparatus 200 comprises a male adaptor 210 engaged at an end of the rotary shaft 12a of the running lever 12, a female adaptor 220 engaged at the male adaptor 210 by a pin 215, a second clutch unit 230 of which an output shaft is engaged at the female adaptor 220, and an adjusting motor 240 of which an output shaft is engaged at the second clutch unit 230, with the adjusting motor being controlled by the remote controller 30.

The second clutch unit 230 is positioned at the axial lines as the female and male adaptors 220 and 210 and the rotary shaft 12a of the running lever 12 and rotates the rotary shaft 12a or returns the same to the original position for thereby adjusting the engine output. The second clutch unit 230 is preferably formed of an electronic clutch positioned at the same axis as the adjusting motor 240 and operates in accordance with a control of the remote controller 30 and allows the running lever 12 to more forward or backward.

The adjusting motor 240 is preferably formed of a servo motor which is capable of freely controlling the speed and a normal rotation and a reverse rotation. The decelerator 250 may be integrally engaged at the adjusting motor 240 for thereby more accurately adjusting the engine output.

The running lever 12 is operated by the second clutch unit 230 and the adjusting motor 240. In a state that the second clutch unit 230 is disengaged, since the female and male adaptors 220 and 210 are freely engaged, when the running lever 12 is rotated, only the driven clutch 230a rotates for thereby performing the manual operation.

The second clutch unit 230 and the adjusting motor 240 in the engine output adjusting apparatus 200 are installed in one casing 201. One part structure is preferred, in which the female adaptor 220 is protruded from one side of the casing 201.

The remote controller 30 is provided with an output adjusting switch 33 for generating an operation signal by which the second clutch unit 230 operates, and the running lever 12 moves forward and backward. The remote controller 30 mat be extended to the outside using an electric cable, so that it can be used at place in the vessel. It may be designed to operate in accordance with a wireless operation signal. The output fixing switch 33 is formed in an integral switch type in which the front and rear ends may be pushed with respect to the neutral portion, with an output up button and an output down button being provided at the output adjusting switch 33.

Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating an engagement of an engine output adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention.

As shown therein, since there are some problems for integrally installing the engine output adjusting apparatus 200 and the lever box 11 at the bridge 1 , a base 260 is preferably provided so as to mount the above elements thereon. The base 260 is formed of a mounting part 262 having a plane, and a fixing part 264 vertically and integrally extended from the mounting part. The mounting part 262 includes an elongated hole 262a, with the second clutch unit 230 and the base 260 being engaged with the engaging member 270 through the elongated hole 262a. The elongated hole 262a is designed to adjust the position of the engine output adjusting apparatus 200 in the longitudinal direction. With the base 260, it is possible to minimize the installation space.

Figure 21 is a view illustrating an operation of an engine output adjusting apparatus in an automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention. The operations and effects of the engine output adjusting apparatus 200 will be described with reference to Figure 21.

As shown in Figure 21 , as the running lever 12 maintains a neutral state, the engine operates idle. In a state that the vessel is in the stop mode, when the light is turned on for work or is pulled or the unloading work is performed, the output of the engine generally decreases. So as to prevent the above problems, the adjusting worker or operator sets the running lever 12 at the neutral position for thereby increasing the output of the engine.

So as to perform the above operation, when the second clutch unit 230 is pulled in the direction A, the second clutch unit 230 moves in the direction A along the elongated hole 262a of the base 260. The moving second clutch unit

230 pulls the female and male adaptors 220 and 230 axial-engaged at the output side, and the running lever 12 is pulled in the direction A. At this time, the running lever 12 is distanced from the lever box 11 with the distance L. The rotary shaft 12a of the pulled running lever 12 is disengaged from the gear group (not shown) of the connected transmission.

When the rotary shaft 12a is disengaged from the gear group (not shown) of the transmission, the power is supplied to the adjusting motor 240, and the rotational force of the adjusting motor 240 is transferred to the decelerator 250. The transferred rotational force allows the second clutch unit 230 to rotate.

The second clutch unit 230 rotates the female and male adaptors 220 and 210 and the running lever 12. The rotary shaft 12a rotates based on the running lever 12 for thereby supplying fuel and air to the engine, so that the engine output unit (not shown) is pushed or pulled for thereby increasing the output of the engine, with the engine output unit being adapted so as to increase or decrease the output of the engine. When the output adjusting switch 33 is pressed for the forward movement, the adjusting motor 240 keeps rotation, so that the running lever 12 moves forward. With this operation, the output of the engine gradually increases in the neutral state.

The adjusting worker or operator presses the output adjusting switch 33 forwards until the engine reaches a proper engine revolution. When pressing the same stops, the desired engine revolution is set, so that it is possible to prevent vibrations of the engine due to over load or overload of the engine.

When the high load work is finished, the second clutch unit 230 is manually pushed in the direction B after the running lever 12 is set at the neutral state. When the pushed second clutch unit 230 allows the running lever 12 to come closer to the lever box 11, and the rotary shaft 12a is inserted into the transmission (not shown) and is engaged with the gear group (not shown) of the transmission. Therefore, it is possible to change the speed of the gear for thereby adjusting the speed of the vessel.

Figure 22 is a perspective view illustrating an automatic steering system of a vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 23 is a view illustrating an operation of an automatic steering system of a vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown therein, the automatic steering system of a vessel according to the present invention comprises a running adjusting apparatus 10 which includes a running lever 12 installed at a bridge 1 of the vessel for controlling the speed of a vessel and the forward and backward movements, a first sprocket 15a fixed at the rotary shaft 12a of the running lever 12, a running motor 18 which operates in accordance with a certain operation signal, a second sprocket 16b fixed at an output shaft of the running motor 18, and a chain 15c for drivingly connecting the sprockets 15a and 15b. There is further provided a remote controller 30 having a control key 32 for transmitting an operation signal to the running motor 18 and receiving the operation signal.

In the case of the automatic steering system for a vessel according to the present invention, the running lever 12 is not a link mechanism operated by the running motor 18. Namely, the forward and backward movements of the vessel are performed by the chain motor mechanism which comprises the first sprocket 15a fixed at the rotary shaft 12a of the running lever 12, the second sprocket 15b fixed at the output shaft of the running motor 18 and rotating by the running motor 18, and the chain 15c drivingly connected with the sprockets 15a and 15b. The remaining parts and operations are same as the previous embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the descriptions of the same will be omitted for simplification.

As shown in Figure 24, an engine up and down adjusting switch 35 is provided at the other side of the remote controller 30 so as to receive an operation signal which allows the rear engine part 5 of the vessel to move up or down. With the operation of the engine up and down adjusting switch 35, the rear engine part 5 of the vessel can be moved up or down using a known engine up and down unit (not shown) such as a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic actuator which is driven by a certain operation signal.

In the present invention, the vessel has been used as the widest meaning. Namely, the vessel is not limited to a resort motor boat but represents all kinds of ships including an engine and a rudder.

Industrial Applicability

As described above, according to the automatic steering system for a vessel according to the present invention, the running operation apparatus and the steering operation apparatus can be accurately controlled using the remote controller, so that the vessel can be easily controlled.

With the above construction, it is possible to the number of steering workers in the steering chamber of the vessel. The conventional complicated construction can be simplified. The workers needed to a steering work and work for fish net can decrease, so that the cost for workers decreases, and the workability is significantly enhanced. It is possible to operate the vessel at any position of the vessel, so that the users of the present invention operates the vessel in more free and comfort states at any portion of the vessel, while enjoying views. The parts of the present invention are simple, so that the maintenance is easy, and a running reliability can be significantly enhanced.

In addition, it is possible to easily check information needed for the operation of the vessel such as a steering angle, acceleration and deceleration states through various display units. In the case that the above display unit is adapted at the remote controller, more convenience operation can be achieved.

With the second clutch unit and running lever which are operated by the remote controller and manual operation, the output of the vessel can be maximized in the idle state of the engine. Therefore, in a state that the vessel stops, a high load work can be efficiently performed. In addition, the engine output proper to a high load work can be outputted even in a state that the vessel stops. The abrasion and problems of the engine due to the decrease of output can be prevented, and the operation reliability of the vessel can be significantly enhanced. As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described examples are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the meets and bounds of the claims, or equivalences of such meets and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. An automatic steering system of a vessel, comprising: a running operation apparatus which includes: a running lever which is installed at a bridge of a vessel for controlling a speed and forward and back movements of the vessel; a link guide which is detachably engaged with the running lever; a link mechanism which is detachably engaged with the running lever and operates the running lever by receiving an external driving force; a gear box which allows the link mechanism to perform a relative movement, with an output shaft of the same being connected with the link mechanism; and a running motor which receives a certain operation signal and operates the gear box; and a remote controller which transmits an operation signal to the running motor and has a control key for an input of the operation signal.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said link guide includes a coupler fixedly inserted into the running lever, and a knob which is detachably engaged with the coupler and connects the link mechanism with the running lever.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said link mechanism includes a driven joint which is detachably engaged with the running lever and transfers an operational force to the running lever, and a driving joint which is hinged at the driven joint and is drivingly engaged at the output shaft of the hear box.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein said running motor includes an over current protector for limiting the current flowing to the running motor when an over current flows.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein said remote controller is wire-connected with the steering motor for thereby transmitting an operation signal.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein said remote controller is engaged at a necklace or a bracelet for thereby transmitting the operation signal to the running motor based on the wireless method.

7. An automatic steering system of a vessel, comprising: a steering operation apparatus which includes a steering handle installed at a bridge of a vessel for steering the operation direction of the vessel, a steering shaft for transferring a steering force of the steering handle, a handle clutch which is engaged at a lower side of the steering handle and operates in an axial direction, a motor means which transfers a steering force to the steering handle when it is engaged with the handle clutch operated in the axial direction and allows the steering handle to manually operate when it is disengaged from the hand clutch, and a steering motor for receiving the operation signal and operating the steering motor; and a remote controller which transmits the operation signal to the steering motor and is provided with a control key for an input of the operation signal.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said hand clutch includes a housing fixed at a lower side of the steering handle, an operation clutch which is inserted into the interior of the housing and includes a shaft hole formed at the center for passing the steering shaft and moves up and down in the axial direction by an external force, an elastic member which is disposed between the housing and the operation clutch for elastically biasing the operation clutch upward, and an operation means which is inserted into the interior of the housing and moves the operation clutch downward by pressing the same.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said motor means includes a worm wheel which has a shaft hole formed at the center of the same for passing the steering shaft and a fixing clutch engaged with the operation clutch at one side of the same, and a worm gear which is engaged with the worm wheel for thereby rotating the worm wheel, with the steering motor being axial-engaged with the worm gear for thereby rotating the worm wheel.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said motor means includes a casing in which the worm wheel and worm gear are installed, and a bearing for fixing the worm wheel at the interior of the casing.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein said operation clutch and said fixing clutch are formed of crown gears, with the steering motor being formed of a servo motor.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein said servo motor includes an over current protector for limiting the current flowing in the steering motor when an over current flows.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein said control key of the remote controller is formed of one of a dial key and a short cut key.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein said remote controller is wire-connected with the steering motor for thereby transmitting an operation signal.

15. The system of claim 7, wherein said remote controller is installed at either a necklace or a bracelet and transmits an operation signal to the steering motor based on a wireless method.

16. The system of claim 7, wherein said remote controller is formed in a T- shape.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein an axial direction operation member is installed at a lower surface of the casing and operates in an axial direction by an electromagnetic force, and said axial direction operation member moves the fixing clutch in an axial direction, which rotates together with the worm gear, along the steering shaft when power is supplied based on an operation of a control key installed at the remote controller or another control key installed at the bridge, so that the axial direction operation member is engaged with the operation clutch rotating together with the steering wheel.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said axial direction operation member is formed of an electromagnetic solenoid or an electromagnetic actuator.

19. An automatic steering system of a vessel, comprising: a running operation apparatus which includes a running lever which is installed at a bridge of a vessel for controlling a speed and forward and backward movement of the vessel, a first clutch means which is installed at a rotary shaft of the running lever, and a running motor which is installed at an end of the rotary shaft of the running lever and receives a certain operation signal and rotates the rotary shaft; and a remote controller which transmits an operation signal to the running motor and has a control key for an input of the operation signal.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said first clutch means is formed of an electronic clutch which selectively connect a rotational force of the running motor in accordance with an electrical signal.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein said first clutch means is formed of a manual clutch which selectively connects a rotational force of the running motor based on a manual operation.

22. The system of one among claims 1 through 21 , further comprising a vessel operation state display apparatus which is installed at a bridge of the vessel and displays a steering angle in a form of a resistance value corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor installed at one side of the rudder.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein said vessel operation state display apparatus includes a variable resistor unit which is connected at a rudder stock connected with a rudder and changes a variable resistance value into a signal based on a rotation of the rudder, an adjusting unit which compares the variable resistance value and a reference current value and adjusts and outputs a comparison resistance value, a microprocessor unit which changes the received comparison resistance value into a data form for a step-to-step output, and a display unit which sequentially displays the rotation angle based on the comparison resistance value outputted through the microprocessor.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein in said display unit, a plurality of module type light emitting diodes are arranged in a horizontal direction, and a reference light emitting diode is installed at the center of the module type light emitting diodes, with the reference light emitting diode indicating the supply of the power or the neutral state of the steering angle.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein said display unit is installed at the remote controller in the same type as the above.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein a compass is installed at one side of the display unit for indicating a movement direction of the vessel.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein said remote controller further includes a vessel acceleration and deceleration state display unit which indicates an acceleration and deceleration of the vessel based on the resistance value corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor cooperating with the running lever.

28. The system of one among claims 1 through 6, wherein said running lever is installed at one side of the lever box and includes an engine output adjusting apparatus which is installed at one side of the running lever and moves the running lever forward or backward when the running lever is moved in the axial direction in a neutral state of the engine for thereby adjusting the output of the engine.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein said engine output adjusting apparatus includes a male adaptor which is engaged at an end of the rotary shaft of the running lever, a female adaptor which is pin-engaged at the male adaptor, a second clutch means of which an output shaft is pin-engaged at the female adaptor, and an adjusting motor of which an output shaft is engaged at the second clutch means, with the adjusting motor being controlled by the remote controller.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein said lever box of the second clutch means is mounted at an upper surface of the base, and an elongated hole is formed at the base in a longitudinal direction for guiding the movement of the second clutch means.

31. The system of claim 29, wherein said second clutch means is formed of an electronic clutch at the same axis as the adjusting motor and operates in accordance with a control of the remote controller and adjusts an output by moving the running lever in the forward or backward direction, and a decelerator is integrally provided at the adjusting motor.

32. The system of claim 29, wherein an output adjusting switch is installed at one side of the remote controller for operating the adjusting motor and the second clutch means.

33. An automatic operation system of a vessel, comprising: a running operation apparatus which includes a running lever installed at a bridge of a vessel for controlling a forward and backward movement of the vessel, a first sprocket fixed at a rotary shaft of the running lever, a running motor which operates in accordance with an operation signal, a second sprocket fixed at an output shaft of the running motor, and a chain for drivingly connecting the sprockets; and a remote controller which transmits an operation signal to the running motor and includes a control key for an input of the operation signal.

34. The system of one among claims 1 through 21 , wherein an engine up and down adjusting switch is installed at the other side of the remote controller for an input of the operation signal for moving up and down the rear end engine part of the vessel.