System for and method of controlling watercraft

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/607,422 filed on Dec. 19, 2017. The entire contents of this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for and a method of controlling a watercraft.

2. Description of the Related Art

A type of control system has been known to control the magnitude and direction of a thrust generated by each of a plurality of outboard motors so as to turn the bow of a watercraft. For example, a control device for outboard motors described in Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. JP2014-76761A controls right and left outboard motors in accordance with a twist operation of a joystick. Specifically, when the joystick is twisted rightward, the control device causes the outboard motor disposed on the port side to generate a thrust for forward movement, and simultaneously, causes the outboard motor disposed on the starboard side to generate a thrust for rearward movement. Accordingly, the watercraft turns the bow rightward.

In some situations, such as, adjusting the position and direction of a watercraft, an operator wants to move the watercraft forward (or rearward) while turning the bow of the watercraft. In such a situation, the aforementioned control device requires the operator to be skilled in performing bow turning and forward (or rearward) movement simultaneously.

When the watercraft is moved forward (or rearward) while bow turning thereof is ongoing, it can be also assumed to cause each of the right and left outboard motors to generate a thrust for forward (or rearward) movement, and simultaneously, change the rudder angle thereof. Accordingly, the watercraft can be turned rightward and leftward, while being moved forward (or rearward).

In such a case, however, when only bow turning of the watercraft is performed and when the watercraft is moved forward (or rearward) while bow turning thereof is ongoing, the direction of the thrust generated by one of the outboard motors is abruptly switched between forward and rearward directions. Accordingly, the thrust changes in a non-continuous manner. Hence, the operator is required to be skilled in performing operations such as adjustment in velocity and direction of the watercraft.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide easy operations to adjust velocity and direction of a watercraft when the watercraft is moved forward or rearward while bow turning thereof is ongoing.

A system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is a system used in controlling a watercraft which includes a left outboard motor, a right outboard motor and a controller. The left outboard motor is disposed on a port side of the watercraft. The right outboard motor is disposed on a starboard side of the watercraft. The controller communicates with the right outboard motor and the left outboard motor.

The controller receives a bow turning signal that causes the watercraft to turn a bow thereof and a propulsion signal that causes the watercraft to move forward and rearward. When receiving the bow turning signal, the controller causes one of the right and left outboard motors to generate a forward thrust and simultaneously causes the other of the right and left outboard motors to generate a rearward thrust in accordance with a bow turning direction indicated by the bow turning signal.

A first outboard motor is one of the right and left outboard motors that generates a thrust in a propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal, while a second outboard motor is the other of the right and left outboard motors that generates a thrust in an opposite direction to the propulsion direction. When a magnitude of a command value indicated by the propulsion signal falls within a first range in a composite operation in which the controller receives the bow turning signal and the propulsion signal, the controller controls the first outboard motor to increase the thrust in the propulsion direction and simultaneously controls the second outboard motor to reduce the thrust in the opposite direction.

When the magnitude of the command value falls within a second range greater than the first range in the composite operation, the controller controls the first outboard motor to make the thrust in the propulsion direction greater than when the magnitude of the command value falls within the first range and simultaneously maintains the second outboard motor in a neutral state. Also, when the magnitude of the command value falls within a third range greater than the second range in the composite operation, the controller controls the first outboard motor to make the thrust in the propulsion direction greater than when the magnitude of the command value falls within the second range and simultaneously controls the second outboard motor to generate a thrust in the propulsion direction.

A method according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is a method of controlling a watercraft including a left outboard motor disposed on a port side of the watercraft and a right outboard motor disposed on a starboard side of the watercraft, and includes the following processing.

First processing refers to receiving a bow turning signal that causes the watercraft to turn a bow thereof and a propulsion signal that causes the watercraft to move forward or rearward. Second processing refers to causing one of the right and left outboard motors to generate a forward thrust and simultaneously causing the other of the right and left outboard motors to generate a rearward thrust in accordance with a bow turning direction indicated by the bow turning signal when the bow turning signal is received.

Third processing refers to controlling a first outboard motor to increase a thrust in a propulsion direction and simultaneously controlling a second outboard motor to reduce a thrust in an opposite direction when a magnitude of a command value indicated by the propulsion signal falls within a first range in a composite operation in which the bow turning signal and the propulsion signal are received.

Fourth processing refers to controlling the first outboard motor to make the thrust in the propulsion direction greater than when the magnitude of the command value falls within the first range and simultaneously maintaining the second outboard motor in a neutral state when the magnitude of the command value falls within a second range greater than the first range in the composite operation.

Fifth processing refers to controlling the first outboard motor to make the thrust in the propulsion direction greater than when the magnitude of the command value falls within the second range and simultaneously controlling the second outboard motor to generate a thrust in the propulsion direction when the magnitude of the command value falls within a third range greater than the second range in the composite operation.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, when a watercraft is propelled forward or rearward while bow turning thereof is ongoing, the thrust in the propulsion direction generated by the first outboard motor increases as the magnitude of the command value indicated by the propulsion signal changes to sequentially fall within the first range, the second range, and then the third range. Additionally, the direction of the thrust generated by the second outboard motor is switched to the propulsion direction from the direction opposite to the propulsion direction via the neutral state as the magnitude of the command value indicated by the propulsion signal changes to sequentially fall within the first range, the second range, and then the third range. Therefore, balance in thrust between the first outboard motor and the second outboard motor continuously changes in accordance with a change in magnitude of the command value indicated by the propulsion signal. Accordingly, adjustment of vessel velocity and direction of the watercraft is able to be easily performed.

The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a watercraft in which a watercraft control system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is included.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an outboard motor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the watercraft control system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing control of the outboard motors in a sole operation of forward movement.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing control of the outboard motors in a sole operation of rearward movement.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in a sole operation of rightward bow turning.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in a sole operation of leftward bow turning.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in a first composite operation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in the first composite operation.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in the first composite operation.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing processing for determining command values given to engines and shift actuators in operating a joystick.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of change in operating amounts of the joystick, operating amounts obtained by conversion, and combined operating amounts in the first composite operation.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in a second composite operation.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in a third composite operation.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in a fourth composite operation.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing processing that determines command values given to the engines and the shift actuators according to another exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be hereinafter explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a watercraft 100 in which a control system according to a preferred embodiment is embedded. As shown in FIG. 1 , the control system includes a plurality of outboard motors 1 a and 1 b . Specifically, the watercraft 100 includes a left outboard motor 1 a and a right outboard motor 1 b.

The outboard motors 1 a and 1 b are preferably attached to the stern of the watercraft 100 . The outboard motors 1 a and 1 b are positioned in alignment in the width direction of the watercraft 100 . Specifically, the left outboard motor 1 a is preferably disposed on the port side of the watercraft 100 and the right outboard motor 1 b is preferably disposed on the starboard side of the watercraft 100 . Each of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b generates a thrust to propel the watercraft 100 .

FIG. 2 is a side view of the left outboard motor 1 a . A structure of the left outboard motor 1 a will be hereinafter explained. However, the right outboard motor 1 b also preferably has the same or a similar structure to the left outboard motor 1 a . The left outboard motor 1 a is preferably attached to the watercraft 100 through a bracket 11 a . The bracket 11 a supports the left outboard motor 1 a such that the left outboard motor 1 a is rotatable about a steering shaft 12 a . The steering shaft 12 a extends in the vertical direction.

The left outboard motor 1 a preferably includes an engine 2 a , a drive shaft 3 a , a propeller shaft 4 a , and a shift mechanism 5 a . The engine 2 a generates a thrust to propel the watercraft 100 . The engine 2 a includes a crankshaft 13 a . The crankshaft 13 a extends in the vertical direction. The drive shaft 3 a is connected to the crankshaft 13 a . The drive shaft 3 a extends in the vertical direction. The propeller shaft 4 a extends in the front-and-back direction. The propeller shaft 4 a is connected to the drive shaft 3 a through the shift mechanism 5 a . A propeller 6 a is attached to the propeller shaft 4 a.

The shift mechanism 5 a preferably includes a forward moving gear 14 a , a rearward moving gear 15 a , and a clutch 16 a . When gear engagement is switched between the gears 14 a and 15 a by the clutch 16 a , the direction of rotation transmitted from the drive shaft 3 a to the propeller shaft 4 a is reversed. Movement of the watercraft 100 is thus switched between forward movement and rearward movement.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system of the watercraft 100 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the left outboard motor 1 a preferably includes a shift actuator 7 a and a steering actuator 8 a.

The shift actuator 7 a is connected to the clutch 16 a of the shift mechanism 5 a . The shift actuator 7 a actuates the clutch 16 a so as to switch gear engagement between the gears 14 a and 15 a . Movement of the watercraft 100 is thus switched between forward movement and rearward movement. The shift actuator 7 a is preferably an electric motor. It should be noted that the shift actuator 7 a may alternatively be another type of actuator such as, for example, an electric cylinder, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.

The steering actuator 8 a is connected to the left outboard motor 1 a . The steering actuator 8 a rotates the left outboard motor 1 a about the steering shaft 12 a . The rudder angle of the left outboard motor 1 a is thus changed. The steering actuator 8 a is preferably an electric motor. It should be noted that the shift actuator 7 a may alternatively be another type of actuator such as, for example, an electric cylinder, a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.

The left outboard motor 1 a includes an ECU (electric control unit) 9 a . The ECU 9 a preferably includes a processor such as a CPU and memory such as, for example, a RAM and a ROM. The ECU 9 a stores a program and data used to control the left outboard motor 1 a . The ECU 9 a controls actions of the engine 2 a , the shift actuator 7 a , and the steering actuator 8 a.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the right outboard motor 1 b preferably includes an engine 2 b , a shift actuator 7 b , a steering actuator 8 b , and an ECU 9 b . The engine 2 b , the shift actuator 7 b , the steering actuator 8 b , and the ECU 9 b in the right outboard motor 1 b are preferably configured similarly to the engine 2 a , the shift actuator 7 a , the steering actuator 8 a , and the ECU 9 a in the left outboard motor 1 a , respectively.

The control system includes a steering wheel 21 , throttle levers 22 a and 22 b , and a joystick 23 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the steering wheel 21 , the throttle levers 22 a and 22 b , and the joystick 23 are disposed in a cockpit 20 of the watercraft 100 .

The steering wheel 21 is a device that allows an operator to operate the turning direction of the watercraft 100 . The steering wheel 21 includes a sensor 210 . The sensor 210 outputs a signal indicating the operating direction and the operating amount of the steering wheel 21 .

The throttle levers 22 a and 22 b are preferably defined by a first lever 22 a and a second lever 22 b . The first lever 22 a is a device that allows the operator to regulate the magnitude of a thrust generated by the left outboard motor 1 a . Additionally, the first lever 22 a is a device that allows the operator to switch the direction of the thrust generated by the left outboard motor 1 a between forward and rearward directions. The first lever 22 a is operable from a neutral position to a forwardly moving directional side and a rearward moving directional side. The first lever 22 a includes a sensor 221 . The sensor 221 outputs a signal indicating the operating direction and the operating amount of the first lever 22 a.

The second lever 22 b is a device that allows the operator to regulate the magnitude of a thrust generated by the right outboard motor 1 b . Additionally, the second lever 22 b is a device that allows the operator to switch the direction of the thrust generated by the right outboard motor 1 b between forward and rearward directions. The second lever 22 b is disposed to be operable from a neutral position to a forwardly moving directional side and a rearward moving directional side. The second lever 22 b includes a sensor 222 . The sensor 222 outputs a signal indicating the operating direction and the operating amount of the second lever 22 b.

The joystick 23 is a device that allows the operator to operate the movement of the watercraft 100 in each of the moving directions of front, rear, right and left. Additionally, the joystick 23 is a device that allows the operator to operate the bow turning motion of the watercraft 100 . The joystick 23 is disposed to be tiltable at least in four directions of front, rear, right and left. It should be noted that four or more directions, and furthermore, all directions may be instructed by the joystick 23 .

Moreover, the joystick 23 is turnable about a rotational axis Axl. The joystick 23 includes a sensor 230 . The sensor 230 outputs a propulsion signal indicating the tilt direction and the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Additionally, the sensor 230 outputs a bow turning signal indicating the twist direction and the twist amount of the joystick 23 .

The control system includes a controller 10 . The controller 10 preferably includes a processor such as a CPU and memory such as a RAM and a ROM, for example. The controller 10 stores a program and data used to control the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a . The controller 10 is connected to the ECUs 9 a and 9 b through wired or wireless communication. The controller 10 is connected to the steering wheel 21 , the throttle levers 22 a and 22 b , and the joystick 23 through wired or wireless communication.

The controller 10 receives signals from the sensors 210 , 221 , 222 , and 230 . The controller 10 outputs command signals to the ECUs 9 a and 9 b based on the signals from the sensors 210 , 221 , 222 and 230 .

For example, the controller 10 outputs a command signal to the shift actuator 7 a in accordance with the operating direction of the first lever 22 a . Movement of the left outboard motor 1 a is thus switched between forward movement and rearward movement. The controller 10 outputs a command signal to the engine 2 a in accordance with the operating amount of the first lever 22 a . The engine rotational speed of the left outboard motor 1 a is thus controlled.

The controller 10 outputs a command signal to the shift actuator 7 b in accordance with the operating direction of the second lever 22 b . Movement of the right outboard motor 1 b is thus switched between forward movement and rearward movement. The controller 10 outputs a command signal to the engine 2 b in accordance with the operating amount of the second lever 22 b . The engine rotational speed of the right outboard motor 1 b is thus controlled.

The controller 10 outputs command signals to the steering actuators 8 a and 8 b in accordance with the operating direction and the operating amount of the steering wheel 21 . When the steering wheel 21 is operated leftward from the neutral position, the controller 10 controls the steering actuators 8 b and 8 a such that the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a are rotated rightward. The watercraft 100 thus turns leftward. When the steering wheel 21 is operated rightward from the neutral position, the controller 10 controls the steering actuators 8 b and 8 a such that the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a are rotated leftward. The watercraft 100 thus turns rightward. Additionally, the controller 10 controls the rudder angles of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a in accordance with the operating amount of the steering wheel 21 .

The controller 10 outputs command signals to the engines 2 a and 2 b , the shift actuators 7 a and 7 b , and the steering actuators 8 a and 8 b in accordance with the tilt direction and the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . The controller 10 controls the engines 2 a and 2 b , the shift actuators 7 a and 7 b , and the steering actuators 8 a and 8 b such that translation (linear motion) of the watercraft 100 is made at a velocity corresponding to the tilt amount of the joystick 23 in a direction corresponding to the tilt direction of the joystick 23 . Additionally, the controller 10 controls the engines 2 a and 2 b , the shift actuators 7 a and 7 b , and the steering actuators 8 a and 8 b such that the watercraft 100 turns the bow at a velocity corresponding to the twist amount of the joystick 23 in a direction corresponding to the twist direction of the joystick 23 .

Processing executed by the controller 10 in accordance with an operation of the joystick 23 will be hereinafter explained in detail. In the following explanation, the term “composite operation” refers to a condition that a bow turning operation and a forward (or rearward) moving operation are both ongoing for the watercraft 100 . In other words, the term “composite operation” means that the twist operation about the rotational axis Axl and the tilt operation are both ongoing for the joystick 23 . On the other hand, the term “sole operation” refers to a condition that only one of the bow turning operation and the forward (or rearward) moving operation is ongoing for the watercraft 100 . In other words, the term “sole operation” means that only one of the twist operation about the rotational axis Axl and the tilt operation is ongoing for the joystick 23 .

The controller 10 determines which of the composite operation and the sole operation is ongoing based on the signal from the joystick 23 . The controller 10 determines that the composite operation of bow turning and propulsion is ongoing when receiving both the propulsion signal indicating the tilt operation of the joystick 23 and the bow turning signal indicating the twist operation of the joystick 23 . The controller 10 determines that the sole operation of bow turning is ongoing when receiving the bow turning signal without receiving the propulsion signal. The controller 10 determines that the sole operation of propulsion is ongoing when receiving the propulsion signal without receiving the bow turning signal.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b in the sole operation of propulsion. In FIG. 4 , the joystick 23 is tilted in the forward moving direction. In other words, FIG. 4 shows control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b in the sole operation of forward movement. In this case, the controller 10 controls each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to generate a thrust in the forward moving direction. The watercraft 100 thus moves forward.

In the sole operation of propulsion, the thrusts generated by the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a are the same in direction and magnitude. The controller 10 causes each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to generate a thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . The rudder angles of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a are both 0 degrees. It should be noted that each of the rudder angles of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a may be set such that each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a turns to a toe-in or toe-out side from a 0-degree orientation thereof. It should be noted that a rudder angle of 0 degrees means a condition of each of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b oriented in parallel with the fore direction of the watercraft 100 .

When the joystick 23 is tilted in the rearward moving direction, the controller 10 controls each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to generate a thrust in the rearward moving direction as shown in FIG. 5 . The watercraft 100 thus moves rearward.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors in the sole operation of bow turning. In the sole operation of bow turning, the controller 10 causes one of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to generate a thrust in the forward moving direction and causes the other of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to generate a thrust in the rearward moving direction in accordance with the bow turning direction indicated by the bow turning signal.

Specifically, the joystick 23 is twisted rightward in FIG. 6 . In other words, FIG. 6 shows control of the outboard motors in the sole operation of rightward bow turning. In this case, the controller 10 causes the left outboard motor 1 a to generate a forward thrust, and simultaneously, causes the right outboard motor 1 b to generate a rearward thrust. The watercraft 100 thus turns the bow rightward.

In the sole operation of bow turning, the thrusts generated by the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a are preferably the same in magnitude but are opposite in direction. The controller 10 causes each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to generate a thrust in accordance with the twist amount of the joystick 23 . The rudder angles of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a are both 0 degrees. It should be noted that each of the rudder angles of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a may be set such that each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a turns to a toe-in or toe-out side from the 0-degree orientation thereof.

When the joystick 23 is twisted leftward, as shown in FIG. 7 , the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to generate a forward thrust, and simultaneously, causes the left outboard motor 1 a to generate a rearward thrust. The watercraft 100 thus turns the bow leftward.

Next, control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b in the composite operation will be explained. In starting the composite operation, the controller 10 causes one of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to generate a thrust in a propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal, and simultaneously causes the other of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to generate a thrust directed oppositely to the propulsion direction. Here, one of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a , which generates the thrust in the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal, is defined as a first outboard motor, whereas the other of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a , which generates the thrust directed oppositely to the propulsion direction, is defined as a second outboard motor.

In the composite operation, when the magnitude of a command value indicated by the propulsion signal falls within a first range, the controller 10 controls the first outboard motor to increase the thrust in the propulsion direction, and simultaneously, controls the second outboard motor to reduce the thrust directed oppositely to the propulsion direction. The magnitude of the command value indicated by the propulsion signal corresponds to the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Therefore, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range, the controller 10 controls the first outboard motor to increase the thrust in the propulsion direction, and simultaneously controls the second outboard motor to reduce the thrust directed oppositely to the propulsion direction.

In the composite operation, when the tilt amount falls within a second range greater than the first range, the controller 10 controls the first outboard motor to make the thrust in the propulsion direction greater than that when the tilt amount falls within the first range, and simultaneously, maintains the second outboard motor in a neutral state.

In the composite operation, when the tilt amount falls within a third range greater than the second range, the controller 10 controls the first outboard motor to make the thrust in the propulsion direction greater than that when the tilt amount falls within the second range, and simultaneously controls the second outboard motor to generate a thrust in the propulsion direction.

It should be noted that in the composite operation, the controller 10 maintains each of the rudder angles of the first and second outboard motors constant as long as the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within any of the first, second, and third ranges. For example, the controller 10 maintains each of the rudder angles of the first and second outboard motors at 0 degrees. Alternatively, the controller 10 may maintain each of the rudder angles of the first and second outboard motors at a predetermined angle such that each of the first and second outboard motors turns to the toe-in or toe-out side.

FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams showing control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b in a first composite operation. The first composite operation means that the bow turning direction indicated by the bow turning signal is rightward while the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal is forward. In other words, the first composite operation means that the rightward twist operation and the forward tilt operation are both ongoing for the joystick 23 .

FIG. 8 shows control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range in the first composite operation. In starting the first composite operation, the controller 10 causes the left outboard motor 1 a to generate a thrust in the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal (i.e., a forward thrust), and simultaneously causes the right outboard motor 1 b to generate a thrust in the opposite direction to the propulsion direction (i.e., a rearward thrust). Therefore, in the first composite operation, the left outboard motor 1 a corresponds to the first outboard motor, whereas the right outboard motor 1 b corresponds to the second outboard motor.

In the first composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range, the controller 10 causes the left outboard motor 1 a to increase the forward thrust, and simultaneously causes the right outboard motor 1 b to reduce the rearward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Accordingly, the forward thrust generated by the left outboard motor 1 a becomes greater than the rearward thrust generated by the right outboard motor 1 b . Therefore, when the operator tilts the joystick 23 forward while twisting the joystick 23 rightward, the watercraft 100 starts moving forward while turning the bow rightward.

FIG. 9 shows control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the second range in the first composite operation. In the first composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the second range, the controller 10 causes the left outboard motor 1 a to further increase the forward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 , and simultaneously maintains the right outboard motor 1 b in a neutral state. Therefore, when the operator further tilts the joystick 23 forward while twisting the joystick 23 rightward, the watercraft 100 increases the velocity in forward movement while turning the bow rightward.

FIG. 10 shows control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the third range in the first composite operation. In the first composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the third range, the controller 10 causes the left outboard motor 1 a to further increase the forward thrust, and simultaneously causes the right outboard motor 1 b to generate a forward thrust. Additionally, the controller 10 causes each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to increase the forward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Therefore, when the operator further tilts the joystick 23 forward while twisting the joystick 23 rightward, the watercraft 100 further increases the velocity in forward movement while turning the bow rightward.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing processing that determines command values given to the engines 2 a and 2 b and the shift actuators 7 a and 7 b in operating the joystick 23 . As shown in FIG. 11 , the controller 10 stores data D 1 used to convert a tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 into an operating amount L 1 of the first lever 22 a and an operating amount L 2 of the second lever 22 b . The controller 10 calculates an operating amount L 1 _FR by converting the tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 into the operating amount of the first lever 22 a with reference to the data D 1 . Additionally, the controller 10 calculates an operating amount L 2 _FR by converting the tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 into the operating amount of the second lever 22 b with reference to the data D 1 .

The controller 10 stores data D 2 used to convert a twist amount J_tw of the joystick 23 into the operating amount L 1 of the first lever 22 a . The controller 10 calculates an operating amount L 1 _ tw by converting the twist amount J_tw of the joystick 23 into the operating amount of the first lever 22 a with reference to the data D 2 .

Additionally, the controller 10 stores data D 3 used to convert the twist amount J_tw of the joystick 23 into the operating amount L 2 of the second lever 22 b . The controller 10 calculates an operating amount L 2 _ tw by converting the twist amount J_tw of the joystick 23 into the operating amount of the second lever 22 b with reference to the data D 3 .

In the composite operation, the controller 10 calculates a combined operating amount L 1 ′ of the first lever 22 a based on the operating amount L 1 _FR obtained by conversion and the operating amount L 1 _tw obtained by conversion. For example, the controller 10 calculates the combined operating amount L 1 ′ of the first lever 22 a in the composite operation by adding the operating amount L 1 _tw obtained by conversion to the operating amount L 1 _FR contained by conversion. The controller 10 calculates a combined operating amount L 2 ′ of the second lever 22 b in the composite operation based on the operating amount L 2 _FR obtained by conversion and the operating amount L 2 _ tw obtained by conversion. For example, the controller 10 calculates the combined operating amount L 2 ′ of the second lever 22 b in the composite operation by adding the operating amount L 2 _ tw obtained by conversion to the operating amount L 2 _FR obtained by conversion.

It should be noted that the methods of calculating the combined operating amounts L 1 ′ and L 2 ′ are not limited to the above, and may be changed. For example, each of the operating amounts L 1 _FR and L 1 _tw obtained by conversion may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient. Each of the operating amounts L 2 _FR and L 2 _ tw obtained by conversion may be multiplied by a predetermined coefficient.

The controller 10 stores data D 4 defining a relationship between the operating amount L 1 of the first lever 22 a and a target throttle opening degree Tr 1 of the engine 2 a and a relationship between the operating amount L 2 of the second lever 22 b and a target throttle opening degree Tr 2 of the engine 2 b . The controller 10 determines the target throttle opening degree Tr 1 of the engine 2 a based on the combined operating amount L 1 ′ with reference to the data D 4 . The controller 10 determines the target throttle opening degree Tr 2 of the engine 2 b based on the combined operating amount L 2 ′ with reference to the data D 4 . It should be noted that the data D 1 to D 4 may be provided in a table, for example, or may alternatively be made in another form such as a mathematical formula or so forth.

Additionally, the controller 10 determines a command given to the shift actuator 7 a of the left outboard motor 1 a based on the combined operating amount L 1 ′. The controller 10 determines a command given to the shift actuator 7 b of the right outboard motor 1 b based on the combined operating amount L 2 ′. The controller 10 determines one of commands F (forward movement), N (neutral state), and R (rearward movement) as the command given to each of the shift actuators 7 a and 7 b in accordance with each of the combined operating amounts L 1 ′ and L 2 ′. For example, the controller 10 determines one of the commands F (forward movement), N (neutral state), and R (rearward movement) as the command given to each of the shift actuators 7 a and 7 b in accordance with the range of a voltage value of a signal indicating each of the combined operating amounts L 1 ′ and L 2 ′.

It should be noted that in operating the first lever 22 a , the controller 10 determines the target throttle opening degree Tr 1 of the engine 2 a and the command given to the shift actuator 7 a based on the operating amount L 1 of the first lever 22 a indicated by the signal from the sensor 221 with reference to the data D 4 . In operating the second lever 22 b , the controller 10 determines the target throttle opening degree Tr 2 of the engine 2 b and the command given to the shift actuator 7 b based on the operating amount L 2 of the second lever 22 b indicated by the signal from the sensor 222 with reference to the data D 4 .

The controller 10 controls the engine 2 a of the left outboard motor 1 a based on the target throttle opening degree Tr 1 . The controller 10 controls the engine 2 b of the right outboard motor 1 b based on the target throttle opening degree Tr 2 . The controller 10 controls the shift actuator 7 a of the left outboard motor 1 a based on the command given to the shift actuator 7 a . The controller 10 controls the shift actuator 7 b of the right outboard motor 1 b based on the command given to the shift actuator 7 b.

It should be noted that in the sole operation of propulsion, the operating amounts L 1 _tw and L 2 _ tw , obtained by converting the twist amount J_tw of the joystick 23 , are both “0”. Therefore, the controller 10 determines the target throttle opening degrees Tr 1 and Tr 2 based on the operating amounts L 1 _FR and L 2 _FR, obtained by converting the tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 , with reference to the data D 4 . In the sole operation of propulsion, the target throttle opening degrees Tr 1 and Tr 2 become the same. Moreover, in the sole operation of propulsion, the commands given to the shift actuators 7 a and 7 b become the same.

In the sole operation of bow turning, the operating amounts L 1 _FR and L 2 _FR, obtained by converting the tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 , are both “0”. Therefore, the controller 10 determines the target throttle opening degrees Tr 1 and Tr 2 based on the operating amounts L 1 _tw and L 2 _ tw obtained by converting the twist amount J_tw of the joystick 23 with reference to the data D 4 . In the sole operation of bow turning, the target throttle opening degrees Tr 1 and Tr 2 become the same. Additionally, in the sole operation of bow turning, directions indicated by the commands given to the shift actuators 7 a and 7 b become opposite to each other.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of change in operating amounts of the joystick 23 , operating amounts of the first and second levers 22 a and 22 b obtained by conversion, and combined operating amounts of the first and second levers 22 a and 22 b in the first composite operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12 , from point of time T 0 to point of time T 2 , the twist operation of the joystick 23 is ongoing (J_tw>0), but the tilt operation thereof is not ongoing (J_FR=0). Therefore, from point of time T 0 to point of time T 2 , the sole operation of bow turning is ongoing. The joystick 23 is herein twisted rightward.

From point of time T 0 to point of time T 1 , the twist amount J_tw increases. In accordance, the operating amount L 1 _tw of the first lever 22 a , obtained by converting the twist amount J_tw, increases in the forward moving direction. On the other hand, the operating amount L 2 _ tw of the second lever 22 b , obtained by converting the twist amount J_tw, increases in the rearward moving direction.

From point of time T 1 to point of time T 2 , the twist amount J_tw is constant at j 1 _ tw . Therefore, the operating amount L 1 _tw of the first lever 22 a , obtained by conversion, is constant at a value corresponding to j 1 _ tw , and likewise, the operating amount L 2 _ tw of the second lever 22 b , obtained by conversion, is constant at another value corresponding to j 1 _ tw.

From point of time T 0 to point of time T 2 , the combined operating amount L 1 ′ is the same as the operating amount L 1 _tw of the first lever 22 a obtained by converting the twist amount J_tw, whereas the combined operating amount L 2 ′ is the same as the operating amount L 2 _ tw of the second lever 22 b obtained by converting the twist amount J_tw. Therefore, from point of time T 0 to point of time T 2 , as shown in FIG. 6 , the left outboard motor 1 a generates a thrust for forward movement, whereas the right outboard motor 1 b generates a thrust for rearward movement. The thrust generated by the left outboard motor 1 a and that generated by the right outboard motor 1 b are different in direction but are the same in magnitude.

At and after point of time T 2 , the composite operation of bow turning and propulsion is ongoing. The tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 increases from point of time T 2 to point of time T 5 , and becomes constant at j 3 _FR at and after point of time T 5 . It should be noted that the joystick 23 is being tilted in the forward moving direction. From point of time T 2 to point of time T 5 , the operating amount L 1 _FR of the first lever 22 a and the operating amount L 2 _FR of the second lever 22 b , both of which are obtained by converting the tilt amount J_FR, increase in the forward moving direction in accordance with the tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 . Additionally, at and after point of time T 5 , the operating amount L 1 _FR of the first lever 22 a and the operating amount L 2 _FR of the second lever 22 b , both of which are obtained by converting the tilt amount J_FR, are constant at a value corresponding to j 3 _FR.

In the composite operation at and after point of time T 2 , the combined operating amount L 1 ′ is a value obtained by combining the operating amount L 1 _tw of the first lever 22 a obtained by converting the twist amount J_tw and the operating amount L 1 _FR of the first lever 22 a obtained by converting the tilt amount J_FR. On the other hand, the combined operating amount L 2 ′ is a value obtained by combining the operating amount L 2 _ tw of the second lever 22 b obtained by converting the twist amount J_tw and the operating amount L 2 _FR of the second lever 22 b obtained by converting the tilt amount J_FR.

The combined operating amount L 1 ′ increases in the forward moving direction from point of time T 2 to point of time T 5 , and then becomes constant at and after point of time T 5 . The combined operating amount L 2 ′ reduces in the rearward moving direction from point of time T 2 to point of time T 3 . Therefore, from point of time T 2 to point of time T 3 , as shown in FIG. 8 , the left outboard motor 1 a increases the thrust for forward movement, whereas the right outboard motor 1 b reduces the thrust for rearward movement. It should be noted that from point of time T 2 to point of time T 3 , the tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 falls within the first range from 0 to j 1 _FR in the forward moving direction.

At and after point of time T 3 , when the combined operating amount L 2 ′ becomes less than a threshold Th_R in the rearward moving direction, the command given to the shift actuator 7 b is switched from the command R (rearward movement) to the command N (neutral state). In a period from point of time T 3 to point of time T 4 , the combined operating amount L 2 ′ becomes “0”, and then, increases in the forward moving direction. In the period from point of time T 3 to point of time T 4 , until the combined operating amount L 2 ′ reaches a threshold Th_F, the command N (neutral state) is kept given to the shift actuator 7 b . Therefore, in the period from point of time T 3 to point of time T 4 , as shown in FIG. 9 , the left outboard motor 1 a increases the thrust in the forward moving direction, whereas the right outboard motor 1 b is maintained in the neutral state. It should be noted that in the period from point of time T 3 to point of time T 4 , the tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 falls within the second range from j 1 _FR to j 2 _FR in the forward moving direction.

At and after point of time T 4 , when the combined operating amount L 2 ′ becomes greater than the threshold Th_F in the forward moving direction, the command given to the shift actuator 7 b is switched from the command N (neutral state) to the command F (forward movement). The combined operating amount L 2 ′ increases in the forward moving direction from point of time T 4 to point of time T 5 , and then, becomes constant at and after point of time T 5 . Therefore, at and after point of time T 4 , as shown in FIG. 10 , the left outboard motor 1 a increases the thrust in the forward moving direction, and likewise, the right outboard motor 1 b increases the thrust in the forward moving direction. It should be noted that at and after point of time T 4 , the tilt amount J_FR of the joystick 23 falls within the third range from j 2 _FR to j 3 _FR in the forward moving direction.

The control in the first composite operation has been explained above. However, control in each of second to fourth composite operations is similar to that in the first composite operation except for difference in thrust direction. Control in each of the second to fourth composite operations will be hereinafter explained.

FIG. 13 shows control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range in the second composite operation. The second composite operation means that the bow turning direction indicated by the bow turning signal is rightward, while the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal is rearward. In other words, the second composite operation means that the rightward twist operation and the rearward tilt operation are both ongoing for the joystick 23 .

In starting the second composite operation, the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to generate a thrust in the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal (i.e., a rearward thrust), and simultaneously, causes the left outboard motor 1 a to generate a thrust in the opposite direction to the propulsion direction (i.e., a forward thrust). Therefore, in the second composite operation, the right outboard motor 1 b corresponds to the first outboard motor, whereas the left outboard motor 1 a corresponds to the second outboard motor.

As shown in FIG. 13 , in the second composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range, the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to increase the rearward thrust, and simultaneously, causes the left outboard motor 1 a to reduce the forward thrust, in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Accordingly, the rearward thrust generated by the right outboard motor 1 b becomes greater than the forward thrust generated by the left outboard motor 1 a . Therefore, when the operator tilts the joystick 23 rearward while twisting the joystick 23 rightward, the watercraft 100 starts moving rearward while turning the bow rightward.

Although not shown in the drawings, in the second composite operation when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the second range, the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to further increase the rearward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 , and simultaneously, maintains the left outboard motor 1 a in the neutral state. Therefore, when the operator further tilts the joystick 23 rearward while twisting the joystick 23 rightward, the watercraft 100 increases the velocity in rearward movement while turning the bow rightward.

In the second composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the third range, the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to further increase the rearward thrust, and simultaneously causes the left outboard motor 1 a to generate a rearward thrust. Additionally, the controller 10 causes each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to increase the rearward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Therefore, when the operator further tilts the joystick 23 rearward while twisting the joystick 23 rightward, the watercraft 100 further increases the velocity in rearward movement while turning the bow rightward.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range in the third composite operation. The third composite operation means that the bow turning direction indicated by the bow turning signal is leftward, while the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal is forward. In other words, the third composite operation means that the leftward twist operation and the forward tilt operation are both ongoing for the joystick 23 .

In starting the third composite operation, the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to generate a thrust in the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal (i.e., a forward thrust), and simultaneously causes the left outboard motor 1 a to generate a thrust in the opposite direction to the propulsion direction (i.e., a rearward thrust). Therefore, in the third composite operation, the right outboard motor 1 b corresponds to the first outboard motor, whereas the left outboard motor 1 a corresponds to the second outboard motor.

As shown in FIG. 14 , in the third composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range, the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to increase the forward thrust, and simultaneously causes the left outboard motor 1 a to reduce the rearward thrust, in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Accordingly, the forward thrust generated by the right outboard motor 1 b becomes greater than the rearward thrust generated by the left outboard motor 1 a . Therefore, when the operator tilts the joystick 23 forward while twisting the joystick 23 leftward, the watercraft 100 starts moving forward while turning the bow leftward.

Although not shown in the drawings, in the third composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the second range, the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to further increase the forward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 , and simultaneously, maintains the left outboard motor 1 a in the neutral state. Therefore, when the operator further tilts the joystick 23 forward while twisting the joystick 23 leftward, the watercraft 100 increases the velocity in forward movement while turning the bow leftward.

In the third composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the third range, the controller 10 causes the right outboard motor 1 b to further increase the forward thrust, and simultaneously causes the left outboard motor 1 a to generate a forward thrust. Additionally, the controller 10 causes each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to increase the forward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Therefore, when the operator further tilts the joystick 23 forward while twisting the joystick 23 leftward, the watercraft 100 further increases the velocity in forward movement while turning the bow leftward.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing control of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range in the fourth composite operation. The fourth composite operation means that the bow turning direction indicated by the bow turning signal is leftward, while the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal is rearward. In other words, the fourth composite operation means that the leftward twist operation and the rearward tilt operation are both ongoing for the joystick 23 .

In starting the fourth composite operation, the controller 10 causes the left outboard motor 1 a to generate a thrust in the propulsion direction indicated by the propulsion signal (i.e., a rearward thrust), and simultaneously causes the right outboard motor 1 b to generate a thrust in the opposite direction to the propulsion direction (i.e., a forward thrust). Therefore, in the fourth composite operation, the left outboard motor 1 a corresponds to the first outboard motor, whereas the right outboard motor 1 b corresponds to the second outboard motor.

As shown in FIG. 15 , in the fourth composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the first range, the controller 10 causes the left outboard motor 1 a to increase the rearward thrust, and simultaneously causes the right outboard motor 1 b to reduce the forward thrust, in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Accordingly, the rearward thrust generated by the left outboard motor 1 a becomes greater than the forward thrust generated by the right outboard motor 1 b . Therefore, when the operator tilts the joystick 23 rearward while twisting the joystick 23 leftward, the watercraft 100 starts moving rearward while turning the bow leftward.

Although not shown in the drawings, in the fourth composite operation when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the second range, the controller 10 preferably causes the left outboard motor 1 a to further increase the rearward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 , and simultaneously maintains the right outboard motor 1 b in the neutral state. Therefore, when the operator further tilts the joystick 23 rearward while twisting the joystick 23 leftward, the watercraft 100 increases the velocity in rearward movement while turning the bow leftward.

In the fourth composite operation, when the tilt amount of the joystick 23 falls within the third range, the controller 10 causes the left outboard motor 1 a to further increase the rearward thrust, and simultaneously, causes the right outboard motor 1 b to generate a rearward thrust. Additionally, the controller 10 causes each of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a to increase the rearward thrust in accordance with the tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Therefore, when the operator further tilts the joystick 23 rearward while twisting the joystick 23 leftward, the watercraft 100 further increases the velocity in rearward movement while turning the bow leftward.

In the control system for the watercraft 100 according to the present preferred embodiment explained above, when the joystick 23 is tilted while being twisted, the thrust in the propulsion direction, generated by one of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a , increases as the tilt amount of the joystick 23 changes to sequentially fall within the first range, the second range, and then the third range. Additionally, the direction of the thrust generated by the other of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a is switched to the propulsion direction from the direction opposite to the propulsion direction via the neutral state as the tilt amount of the joystick 23 changes to sequentially fall within the first range, the second range, and then the third range.

Therefore, the balance in thrust between the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a continuously changes in accordance with change in tilt amount of the joystick 23 . Accordingly, such an operation as adjustment in vessel velocity and direction of the watercraft 100 is able to be easily performed.

Additionally, in the composite operation, the rudder angles of the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a are maintained constant while the tilt amount of the joystick 23 changes to sequentially fall within the first range, the second range, and then the third range. Therefore, the impact of the delay in changing the rudder angles of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b is able to be reduced or prevented in comparison with a situation that the rudder angles of the outboard motors 1 a and 1 b are changed in the composite operation. Accordingly, bow turning and movement of the watercraft 100 is able to be simultaneously done in a smooth manner.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained above. However, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned preferred embodiments, and a variety of changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The number of outboard motors is not limited to two, and alternatively, may be greater than two if so desired. In the aforementioned preferred embodiments, the controller 10 preferably receives the bow turning signal and the propulsion signal from the joystick 23 . However, the controller 10 may alternatively receive the bow turning signal and the propulsion signal from another type of device. For example, the bow turning signal and the propulsion signal may be outputted from another type of input device operated by the operator such as, for example, a switch, a lever, a touchscreen, etc. Alternatively, the bow turning signal and the propulsion signal may be outputted from the controller to perform automatic control.

In the aforementioned preferred embodiments, in the composite operation, the operating amount obtained by converting the tilt amount of the joystick 23 and the operating amount obtained by converting the twist amount of the joystick 23 are combined, and the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a are controlled based on the combined operating amount. However, the right and left outboard motors 1 b and 1 a may alternatively be controlled based on the tilt amount and the twist amount of the joystick 23 without executing the aforementioned conversions if so desired.

The controller 10 may determine target rotational speeds Nt 1 and Nt 2 instead of the aforementioned target throttle opening degrees Tr 1 and Tr 2 . Further, the controller 10 may control the engine 2 a of the left outboard motor 1 a based on the target rotational speed Nt 1 . Also, the controller 10 may control the engine 2 b of the right outboard motor 1 b based on the target rotational speed Nt 2 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 16 , the data D 4 may define a relationship between the operating amount L 1 of the first lever 22 a and the target rotational speed Nt 1 of the engine 2 a and a relationship between the operating amount L 2 of the second lever 22 b and the target rotational speed Nt 2 of the engine 2 b . The controller 10 may determine the target rotational speed Nt 1 of the engine 2 a based on the combined operating amount L 1 ′ with reference to the data D 4 . The controller 10 may determine the target rotational speed Nt 2 of the engine 2 b based on the combined operating amount L 2 ′ with reference to the data D 4 .

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.