Cover structure

A cover structure of an upper unit in which a power source of an outboard motor is provided, the cover structure includes a main body cover including a pair of divided covers connected to each otter, the pair of the divided covers being configured to be divided into each other in a left-right direction with respect to a traveling direction of a boat, an attachable and detachable cover that is attachable to and detachable from a part of an outer surface of at least one of the pair of divided covers and that includes a light transmitting portion in at least a part of the attachable and detachable cover, the light transmitting portion configured to transmit light, and a light emitter that is provided at a mounting position of the attachable and detachable cover and that includes a light source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-022815 filed on Feb. 16, 2021, including specification, drawings and claims is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a cover structure of an upper unit in which a power source of an outboard motor is provided.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an outboard motor including a top cowling or the like that can be divided into two in an upper-lower direction. In this outboard motor, for the purpose of increasing the degree of freedom in design of a position and an area of an intake port and blocking a sound transmitted upward from an engine, a molding is provided on an entire upper surface of the top cowling to form a double structure.

For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses an outboard motor including an upper unit that can be divided into two in a left-right direction.

Further, for example, Patent Literature 3 discloses an outboard motor in which a front surface of an upper cover is formed of a translucent member and an alarm display unit is provided inside the translucent member. The alarm display unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED), and turns on the LED when various sensors detect an abnormality.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cover structure of an upper unit in which a power source of an outboard motor is provided, the cover structure including: a main body cover including a pair of divided covers connected to each other, the pair of the divided covers being configured to be divided into each other in a left-right direction with respect to a traveling direction of a boat; an attachable and detachable cover that is attachable to and detachable from a part of an outer surface of at least one of the pair of divided covers and that includes a light transmitting portion in at least a part of the attachable and detachable cover, the light transmitting portion configured to transmit light; and a light emitter that is provided at a mounting position of the attachable and detachable cover and that includes a light source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLIFIED EMBODIMENTS

For example, in a small outboard motor often used for the purpose of leisure, there has been a request to customize a cover of an upper unit, which is easily visible to a human eye, according to a preference of a user. As a manufacturer, manufacturing a plurality of types of upper units (covers) responds to the above-described user orientation. However, it is not realistic to manufacture a plurality of types of upper units (covers) since manufacturing cost increases and product management is complicated.

In the case of a boat mounted with a small outboard motor for leisure, it is important to inform another boat of a position of the own boat for preventive safety in a situation in which the visibility is poor at night, in fog, or the like. As a portion (position notification portion) that informs another boat of the position of the own boat, it is common to provide an illumination lamp in the boat.

In the outboard motor described in the above-described patent literatures, customizing the cover according to the preference of the user is not sufficiently considered. The above-described outboard motor is not provided with the position notification portion.

The above-described outboard motor cannot store tools required for simple maintenance. Therefore, it is necessary to carry a case or the like that stores the tools. The above-described outboard motor does not have a space for storing small tools and the like used for fishing purposes such as a fishing hook, a fishing thread, and a small light. Further, the above-described outboard motor, an apparatus is not present that supplies electric power to, for example, a fish finder, a fish collection lamp, or a drainage pump.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cover structure capable of easily customizing design of an upper unit and informing another boat of a position of an own boat.

According to the present invention, the design of the upper unit can be easily customized, and another boat can be informed of the position of the own boat.

A cover structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is a cover of an upper unit in which a power source of an outboard motor is provided. The cover structure includes a main body cover including a pair of divided covers connected to each other, the pair of the divided covers being configured to be divided into each other in a left-right direction with respect to a traveling direction of a boat, an attachable and detachable cover that is attachable to and detachable from a part of an outer surface of at least one of the pair of divided covers and that includes a light transmitting portion in at least a part of the attachable and detachable cover, the light transmitting portion configured to transmit light, and a light emitter that is provided at a mounting position of the attachable and detachable cover and that includes a light source.

Since the attachable and detachable cover is attachable to and detachable from the divided cover, for example, a user can remove the present attachable and detachable cover and mount the attachable and detachable cover to which the favorite design for the user has been applied. Since the light from the light emitter is emitted to the outside through the light transmitting portion provided in the attachable and detachable cover, for example, by changing the shape and the size of the light transmitting portion, it is possible to implement an electric decoration according to the preference of the user. Accordingly, since the design of a part of the upper unit can be easily changed, it is possible to respond to the desire of the user to customize the cover (design of the cover) of the upper unit. Since only the attachable and detachable cover is replaced, the cost related to the replacement (the design change) can be reduced as compared with the case in which an entire cover of the upper unit is replaced. The light emitter can be used as a portion (a portion that notifies the user) that displays operating information of the power source, the remaining amount of a battery and a fuel, and various types of other control information of the outboard motor. Further, the light emitter that causes a side surface of the upper unit to emit light can be used as a portion that notifies another boat of the position of the own boat.

Hereinafter, a cover structure of an upper unit of an outboard motor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the embodiment, upper (Ud), lower (Dd), front (Fd), rear (Bd), left (Ld), and right (Rd) directions are set based on upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right directions of an occupant who boards a boat to which the outboard motor is attached and who faces a traveling direction of the boat. These directions are indicated by arrows shown in the drawings.

The overall configuration of an outboard motor1will be described with reference toFIG.1.FIG.1is a left side view showing the outboard motor1.

The outboard motor1is a device that is attached to a transom board6of a boat5and is configured to propel the boat5. The outboard motor1according to the present embodiment is an electric outboard motor1using an electric motor11as a power source, and is a small output outboard motor suitable for the small boat5. In the description of the embodiment, as shown inFIG.1, a term “traveling direction of the ship” used in the claims refers to a front direction in a state in which the outboard motor1is attached to the boat5and is in usage.

The outboard motor1includes an upper unit2, a middle unit3, and a lower unit4. The upper unit2constitutes an upper portion of the outboard motor1, and the upper unit2is provided with the electric motor11as an example of the power source. The lower unit4constitutes a lower portion of the outboard motor1, and the lower unit4is provided with a propeller26. The middle unit3is provided between the upper unit2and the lower unit4.

Upper Unit

The upper unit2includes a motor cover10, the electric motor11, an inverter12, and the like.

The motor cover10is a cover structure that covers the electric motor11and the inverter12and forms an external appearance of the upper unit2. The motor cover10is formed in an egg shape as if a sphere is stretched in a front-rear direction (see alsoFIG.2). As will be described in detail later, a part of the motor cover10has a double structure and is configured to be mounted on and removed from the motor cover10.

The electric motor11and the inverter12are housed inside the motor cover10. An upper end portion of a drive shaft14is connected to an output shaft of the electric motor11. The drive shaft14extends downward from the electric motor11. The drive shaft14is rotated about an axis thereof by the power of the electric motor11, and is configured to transmit the power of the electric motor11to the propeller26. The inverter12is provided above the electric motor11, and is configured to control the current for driving the electric motor11. For example, in the case of the small output electric motor11, the motor cover10may house a battery13(seeFIG.9) such as a high-performance secondary battery that can be repeatedly used by being charged. The battery13is electrically connected to the electric motor11, the inverter12, and the like, and is configured to supply the electric power to the electric motor11, the inverter12, and the like. In general, the battery13is provided outside the upper unit2(the motor cover10), and is often connected to the electric motor11and the like via an external cable or the like.

Middle Unit

The middle unit3includes a drive shaft housing15, a clamp bracket16, a swivel bracket17, and a heat sink18.

Drive Shaft Housing

The drive shaft housing15is provided below the motor cover10, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that is long in an upper-lower direction. The drive shaft housing15includes the drive shaft14.

Clamp Bracket

The clamp bracket16is provided to fix the outboard motor1to the transom board6of the boat5. The clamp bracket16is formed into a substantially U shape that is inverted in the upper-lower direction as viewed from a side surface, covers the transom board6from above, and sandwiches the transom board6. Although not clearly shown inFIG.1, the clamp bracket16is formed into a shape of a pair of left and right arms in the plan view.

Swivel Bracket

The swivel bracket17is pivotably supported via a tilt shaft S1provided at the pair of left and right arm portions of the clamp bracket16. The outboard motor1is tilted (tilted up, tilted down) relative to the boat5by pivoting (swinging) the swivel bracket17in the upper-lower direction about the tilt shaft S1. The swivel bracket17surrounds the drive shaft housing15, and supports the drive shaft housing15such that the drive shaft housing15can be pivoted about the axis of the drive shaft14.

Handle

The outboard motor1is provided with a handle20that pivots (swings) the drive shaft housing15. The handle20is attached to the front side of the drive shaft housing15via an attachment21. A base end portion of the handle20is connected to the attachment21via a handle shaft S2extending in the left-right direction, and the handle20is provided so as to be pivotable in the upper-lower direction about the handle shaft S2. A throttle grip G configured to allow the rotational speed of the electric motor11to be operated is provided at a tip end portion of the handle20.

Heat Sink

The heat sink18constitutes, together with a cooling water passage (not shown), a tank22that stores the cooling water for a reservoir, and a pump23, a cooling device configured to cool the electric motor11and the inverter12. The heat sink18is formed in a tubular shape that is wider in the front-rear direction than the drive shaft housing15, and is connected to a lower end of the drive shaft housing15. The cooling water passage is provided inside the motor cover10, the drive shaft housing15, and the like so as to circulate the cooling water through the electric motor11, the inverter12, and the heat sink18. The tank22and the pump23are provided inside the motor cover10. The pump23is configured to circulate the cooling water flowing through the cooling water passage. The heat sink18is configured to cool the cooling water circulating in the cooling water passage. An example of the cooling water includes an antifreeze solution containing ethylene glycol as a main component.

Lower Unit

The lower unit4includes a gear case24, a gear mechanism25, and the propeller26.

Gear Case

The gear case24is connected to a lower end of the heat sink18. The gear case24has a shape in which a portion from an upper end portion of the gear case24to a gear mechanism housing portion24A that houses the gear mechanism25is narrowed and tapered in the front view. A portion of the gear case24extending downward from the gear mechanism housing portion24A is formed in a plate shape so as to function as a rudder. An anti-ventilation plate28extends rearward at a lower end portion of the above-described drive shaft housing15, that is, in the vicinity of a boundary between the drive shaft housing15and the gear case24. The anti-ventilation plate28prevents air from flowing from the water surface into the propeller26.

Gear Mechanism

The gear mechanism25is housed in the gear mechanism housing portion24A of the gear case24. A lower side of the drive shaft14enters the gear case24and is connected to the gear mechanism25. The gear mechanism25includes a propeller shaft27extending in the front-rear direction, and a rear portion of the propeller shaft27protrudes rearward from the gear case24. The propeller26is attached to the rear portion of the propeller shaft27. The gear mechanism25transmits the rotation of the drive shaft14about the axis to the propeller shaft27(the propeller26). The propeller26is rotated about an axis underwater to generate a propulsive force for propelling the boat5.

In many cases, the small outboard motor1is often used for the purpose of leisure, and there has been a request from a user to customize the motor cover10of the upper unit2, which is easily visible to a human eye, according to a preference thereof. In order to meet this request, when a manufacturer manufactures a plurality of types of motor covers10, another problem such as an increase in manufacturing cost and complicated product management occurs.

In the case of the boat5mounted with the small outboard motor1for leisure, it is important to inform another boat of a position of the own boat for preventive safety in a situation in which the visibility is poor at night, in fog, or the like. Therefore, it is common to provide an illumination lamp as a position notification portion.

Therefore, in the outboard motor1according to the present embodiment, a part of the motor cover10of the upper unit2is replaceable, and includes a function as a position notification portion.

Structure of Motor Cover

A structure (a cover structure of the upper unit2) of the motor cover10will be described with reference toFIGS.2to10.FIG.2is a perspective view showing the motor cover10(the cover structure of the upper unit2).FIG.3is a right side view showing the main body cover30of the motor cover10.FIG.4is a left side view of the main body cover30of the motor cover10.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view taken along V-V inFIG.3.FIG.6is a perspective view showing a left attachable and detachable cover40of the motor cover10.FIG.7is a perspective view showing a light transmitting portion43.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the right attachable and detachable cover40.FIG.9is a block diagram showing a light emitter50and an external communication terminal56.FIG.10is a side view showing a state in which the outboard motor1is in a storage posture P.

The motor cover10is formed of, for example, synthetic resin and is formed in an approximately egg shape (seeFIG.2). A rear lower portion of the motor cover10protrudes downward as compared with a front side portion of the motor cover10in a side view. A lower portion of the motor cover10has a shape that is narrowed in the left-right direction toward the lower side in a front view (a back view).

As shown inFIG.2, the motor cover10(the cover structure) includes the main body cover30and the two attachable and detachable covers40(only a right side is shown inFIG.2). As shown inFIG.3, the motor cover10(the cover structure) includes the light emitter50(a first light source51A to a third light source51C) and a connection port57.

Main Body Cover

As shown inFIG.2, the main body cover30includes a pair of divided covers31that can be divided in the left-right direction with respect to the traveling direction of the boat5. The main body cover30has a left-right divided structure, and is formed by connecting the pair of divided covers31that face each other in the left-right direction with the electric motor11interposed between the pair of divided covers31.

Divided Cover

The pair of divided covers31are formed in a bathtub shape (a tray shape) in which surfaces facing each other are opened (seeFIG.5). As shown inFIGS.3to5, a mounting recess32that allows the attachable and detachable cover40to be mounted is recessed in a part of an outer surface (an outer side surface) of each divided cover31. The mounting recess32is formed in a substantially elliptical shape in a region including the center of the divided cover31in the side view. The pair of divided covers31have different portions. However, since the pair of divided covers31have substantially the same outer shape, the following description will focus on one divided cover31in the description common to the pair of divided covers31.

As shown inFIGS.3and4, a plurality of hook surface portions F1of a hook-and-loop fastener that fixes the attachable and detachable cover40, which will be described later, are fixed to the outer side surface of the divided cover31within a range of the mounting recess32. The plurality of hook surface portions F1are arranged at predetermined intervals along the contour of the elliptical shape of the mounting recess32. The number of the hook surface portions F1may be freely changed.

On the outer side surface of the divided cover31, a pair of positioning recesses33and a sideways laying recess34are recessed within the range of the mounting recess32. Each positioning recess33is a substantially hemispherical recess (see alsoFIG.5). In the right divided cover31, the pair of positioning recesses33are formed in a central upper portion and a rear lower portion of the mounting recess32in the front-rear direction in the side view (seeFIG.3). In the left divided cover31, the pair of positioning recesses33are formed in a front upper portion and the rear lower portion of the mounting recess32in the side view (seeFIG.4). As will be described in detail later, a pair of positioning protrusions41formed on the attachable and detachable cover40are fitted into the pair of positioning recesses33. The sideways laying recess34is a substantially columnar recess formed in a slightly front lower portion (between the pair of positioning recesses33) of the mounting recess32in the side view (see alsoFIG.5). As shown inFIG.5, the sideways laying recess34constitutes a sideways laying boss34A protruding toward the inside of the divided cover31. The sideways laying boss34A is covered with a cushion member34B formed of, for example, an elastic body such as synthetic rubber. In the state in which the main body cover30is formed by connecting the pair of divided covers31, the pair of sideways laying bosses34A abut against both side surfaces of the electric motor11in the left-right direction via the cushion member34B.

Window Portion

As shown inFIG.3, the right divided cover31is provided with a window portion35that allows the remaining amount of the cool water stored inside the main body cover30, specifically, the tank22(seeFIG.1) to be visually observed. The window portion35is provided at a rear upper portion (above the positioning recess33at the rear lower portion) within the range of the mounting recess32. The window portion35is formed of, for example, a transparent or translucent synthetic resin, glass, or the like in a substantial disk shape, and closes a substantially circular hole opened in the divided cover31. The window portion35is fixed to the divided cover31via a screw35B that penetrates a tip end portion of an arm portion35A toward the outside in a radial direction.

Holding Portion

As shown inFIG.4, two holding portions36that hold a simple maintenance tool (a predetermined article) are provided side by side in the upper-lower direction in the left divided cover31. Each holding portion36is recessed so as to avoid the pair of positioning recesses33and the sideways laying recess34within the range of the mounting recess32. The two holding portions36are, for example, recesses that form an outer shape of a spanner and a hexagonal wrench (not shown), and a tool such as a spanner or a hexagonal wrench is fitted and held in the holding portions36.

As shown inFIG.3, three first bolt holes37A and two second bolt holes38A are formed in the right divided cover31. In terms of the three first bolt holes37A, within the range of the mounting recess32, two first bolt holes37A are formed in an upper portion and one first bolt hole37A is formed in a rear portion. The two second bolt holes38A are formed in a lower portion (a constricted portion) of the divided cover31, which is out of the range of the mounting recess32, and are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. As shown inFIG.4, three first insert nuts37B and two second insert nuts38B are embedded in the left divided cover31. The first insert nuts37B and the second nuts38B are embedded so as to face the first bolt holes37A and the second bolt holes38A in a state in which the pair of divided covers31are connected (seeFIG.5).

As shown inFIG.5, the pair of divided covers31are assembled so as to cover the electric motor11from both left and right sides. Specifically, a seal member (not shown) is sandwiched between joints of the pair of divided covers31, first fastening members37are inserted into the first bolt holes37A, and tip end portions of the first fastening members37are screwed into the first insert nuts37B. Second fastening members38are inserted into the second bolt holes38A, and tip end portions of the second fastening members38are screwed into the second insert nuts38B. As described above, the pair of divided covers31are assembled by the three first fastening members37provided at a mounting position of the attachable and detachable cover40and the two second fastening members38provided at a position (an exposed position) that is below the mounting position of the attachable and detachable cover40and that is exposed from the attachable and detachable cover40(see alsoFIG.3). Accordingly, the pair of divided covers31are connected to form the main body cover30.

Attachable and Detachable Cover

The two attachable and detachable covers40are provided in a part of the outer surfaces (the outer side surfaces) of the pair of divided covers31, and specifically are attachable to and detachable from the mounting recess32(seeFIGS.2and5). The two attachable and detachable covers40have different portions. However, since the two attachable and detachable covers40have substantially the same outer shape, the following description will focus on one attachable and detachable cover40in the description common to the two attachable and detachable covers40.

As shown inFIGS.2and6, the attachable and detachable cover40is formed in a substantially elliptical shape in the side view so as to be fitted into the mounting recess32of the divided cover31. The attachable and detachable cover40has a curved surface that bulges outward from the inside, and is formed in a substantial bowl shape having a small depth. A surface (an outer side surface) of the attachable and detachable cover40shown inFIG.2and the like does not show a pattern, a decoration, or the like. However, a pattern, a decoration, or the like may be applied to the attachable and detachable cover40according to the preference of the user.

As shown inFIG.6, a plurality of loop surface portions F2of the hook-and-loop fastener are fixed to an inner surface of the attachable and detachable cover40. The plurality of loop surface portions F2are arranged at predetermined intervals along the contour of the attachable and detachable cover40. The plurality of loop surface portions F2face the plurality of hook surface portions F1provided in the divided cover31in a state in which the attachable and detachable cover40is fitted into the mounting recess32. The pair of positioning protrusions41that can be fitted into the pair of positioning recesses33recessed in the divided cover31protrude from the inner surface of the attachable and detachable cover40.

Structure of Right Attachable and Detachable Cover

As shown inFIG.2, the right attachable and detachable cover40includes an attachable and detachable main body portion42and the light transmitting portion43. The attachable and detachable main body portion42is a material that does not transmit light, and is formed in a substantially elliptical shape (a substantial bowl shape) in the side view. The light transmitting portion43is formed of, for example, a transparent or translucent material such as synthetic resin or glass that transmits light.

As shown inFIGS.2and7, the light transmitting portion43includes a first light transmitting portion43A, a second light transmitting portion43B, and a third light transmitting portion43C. The first light transmitting portion43A is formed in a substantially elliptical ring shape that is slightly larger than the attachable and detachable main body portion42so as to form an outer peripheral portion of the attachable and detachable cover40. The second light transmitting portion43B is formed in a substantially linear shape so as to traverse the first light transmitting portion43A in the front-rear direction. The third light transmitting portions43C are formed at the front side of the second light transmitting portion43B in a substantially rectangular shape extending in both the upper and lower directions with the second light transmitting portion43B interposed between the third light transmitting portions43C. A predetermined character such as a brand logo is formed in the third light transmitting portion43C. The second light transmitting portion43B and the third light transmitting portions43C are integrally formed, and the first light transmitting portion43A is formed separately from the second light transmitting portion43B and the third light transmitting portions43C.

The light transmitting portion43is attachable to and detachable from the attachable and detachable main body portion42. As shown inFIG.8, a hook45is formed on an inner peripheral edge of the first light transmitting portion43A, and when the first light transmitting portion43A is fitted from the outside of the attachable and detachable main body portion42, the hook45is locked to an outer peripheral edge of the attachable and detachable main body portion42. Alight emitting opening44is formed in the attachable and detachable main body portion42according to the shapes of the second light transmitting portion43B and the third light transmitting portions43C (seeFIG.2). The light emitting opening44corresponding to the third light transmitting portions43C is opened along the contour of the predetermined character formed in the third light transmitting portions43C. The second light transmitting portion43B and the third light transmitting portions43C are fitted into the light emitting opening44from the inside of the attachable and detachable main body portion42, and are exposed to an outer surface of the attachable and detachable main body portion42. The loop surface portion F2of the hook-and-loop fastener is not shown inFIG.8. However, the loop surface portion F2straddles the attachable and detachable main body portion42and the first light transmitting portion43A, and is fixed to a back surface of the attachable and detachable main body portion42.

Light Emitter

As shown inFIG.3, the light emitter50is provided in the mounting position (the mounting recess32) of the right attachable and detachable cover40. The light emitter50includes a first light source51A to a third light source51C configured to emit light, and a light emission control unit52(seeFIG.9) that is provided in the main body cover30and that is configured to control light emission of the first light source51A to the third light source51C. In the description of the present embodiment, in the description common to the first light source51A to the third light source51C, the first light source51A to the third light source51C are simply referred to as the light source51, and only the arithmetic numbers are added to the reference numerals.

Light Source

The light source51is, for example, a light emitting diode whose light emitting color can be changed. The light source51is provided within the range of the mounting recess32of the right divided cover31. The light source51is supported by the right divided cover31so as to expose a light emitting portion of the light source51to the outside. Specifically, the first light source51A is provided in a substantially elliptical ring shape along the contour of the mounting recess32. The second light source51B is provided in a substantially linear shape that traverses the mounting recess32in the front-rear direction. The third light sources51C are provided on the front side of the mounting recess32in both the upper and lower directions with the second light source51B interposed between the third light sources51C, and are provided in a substantially rectangular shape. That is, the first light source51A to the third light source51C face the first light transmitting portion43A to the third light transmitting portion43C (the light emitting opening44) of the attachable and detachable cover40in a state in which the attachable and detachable cover40is titled into the mounting recess32.

Light Emission Control Unit

As shown in the upper part ofFIG.9, the light emission control unit52includes a storage unit53configured to store a program, data, and the like, an arithmetic processing unit54configured to execute arithmetic processing according to the program or the like, and a communication unit55configured to execute mutual communication with the external communication terminal56. Although details will be described later, the arithmetic processing unit54is configured to execute control to change the light emitting state of the light source51and control to synchronize the light emitting state with the state of the outboard motor1. The communication unit55is configured to execute mutual communication with the external communication terminal56using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The light emission control unit52is connected to the battery13and is configured to control the supply of the power to the light source51.

The light emitter50is configured to change the light emitting state of the light source51in response to an instruction from the external communication terminal56. As shown in the lower part ofFIG.9, the external communication terminal56is, for example, a smartphone in which dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as “dedicated software”) is installed. When the dedicated software is activated, a screen as shown on the left side of the lower part ofFIG.9is displayed on a display of the external communication terminal56. In the dedicated software, it is possible to change the light emitting states of the first light source51A to the third light source51C and the targets with which the light emitting states of the first light source51A to the third light source51C are synchronized. In the present specification, the “light emitting state” means, for example, the light emitting color (the color), the brightness, the light emission pattern (the timing of turning on and off the first light source51A to the third light source51C, the periodic color change, and the like) of the first light source51A to the third light source51C. The targets with which the light emitting state is synchronized are, for example, the output of the electric motor11, the remaining amount of the battery13, the music, or the like. Music data is stored in the external communication terminal56and is reproduced.

For example, when the user taps an item (“color”, “brightness”, “pattern”, or “synchronization”) for which any one of the first light source51A to the third light source51C is desired to be changed, a plurality of options are displayed as shown on the right side of the lower part ofFIG.9. The options shown inFIG.9are merely examples, and may be freely changed and added. When the user taps (selects) one option from the plurality of options that are displayed, the light emitting state of any one of the first light source51A to the third light source51C or the synchronization target is changed (set). The external communication terminal56transmits the set information to the light emission control unit52via the communication unit55, and the light emission control unit52stores the received information in the storage unit53. The arithmetic processing unit54executes, based on the received (stored) information, control to change the light emitting state of the first light source51A to the third light source51C and control to synchronize the light emitting state with the target. For example, the arithmetic processing unit54executes control to turn on (or turn oft) raw one of the first light source51A to the third light source51C in the set color, brightness, and pattern. For example, the arithmetic processing unit54changes the light emitting state according to the output of the electric motor11or the increase or decrease in the remaining amount of the battery13, or changes the light emitting state according to the reproduced music. That is, the light emitter50has both a function as an electric decoration and a function of displaying the status of the outboard motor1(or presenting the status to the user).

Connection Port

As shown inFIG.3, the right divided cover31is formed with the connection port57with an external device (not shown) that requires power supply. The connection port57is formed above the second light source51B and behind the third light source51C. The connection port57is, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, and is electrically connected to a USB controller (not shown) mounted on the light emission control unit52. Examples of the external device connected to the connection port57include a fish finder, a fish collection lamp, and a drainage pump.

Mounting of Attachable and Detachable Cover

Next, the attachable and detachable cover40mounted on the main body cover30and a mounting procedure of the attachable and detachable cover40will be described.

As shown inFIG.5, the attachable and detachable cover40is mounted with a storage space SP formed between the attachable and detachable cover40and the divided cover31. The storage space SP is a gap (a space) formed between the attachable and detachable cover40and the divided cover31in a state in which the attachable and detachable cover40is mounted on the main body cover30. In the storage space SP, for example, small tools and the like used for fishing purposes such as a fishing hook, a fishing thread, and a small light can be stored.

The procedure for mounting the attachable and detachable cover40to the main body cover30will be described. The user (the operator) fits the attachable and detachable cover40into the mounting recess32of the main body cover30(the divided cover31). In a case in which the small tool is desired to be stored in the storage space SP, the small tool is provided in the mounting recess32before the attachable and detachable cover40is fitted. In the process of fitting the attachable and detachable cover40into the mounting recess32, the pair of positioning protrusions41(seeFIG.6) protruding from the attachable and detachable cover40enters the pair of positioning recesses33(seeFIGS.3and4) recessed in the divided cover31, and guides the mounting of the attachable and detachable cover40to the mounting recess32. Accordingly, the user can smoothly fit the attachable and detachable cover40into the mounting recess32.

When the attachable and detachable cover40is fitted into the mounting recess32, each loop surface portion F2(seeFIG.6) of the attachable and detachable cover40is attached to a respective one of the hook surface portions F1(seeFIGS.3and4) of the divided cover31. Accordingly, the attachable and detachable cover40is held in a state of being mounted on the main body cover30(the mounting of the attachable and detachable cover40is completed). Since the first light transmitting portion43A to the third light transmitting portion43C face the first light source51A to the third light source51C in the state in which the attachable and detachable cover40is mounted on the main body cover30, the light emitting states of the first light source51A to the third light source51C can be checked from the outside.

As shown inFIGS.2and5, the attachable and detachable cover40includes a portion that is a top portion40T of the outboard motor1in the left-right direction in a state in which the attachable and detachable cover40is mounted on the main body cover30. That is, in the outboard motor1, the motor cover10(the upper unit2) protrudes most in the left-right direction, and the top portions40T of the curved surfaces of the pair of left and right attachable and detachable covers40are located on the outermost sides in the left-right direction. The top portion40T may be set at any position. However, for example, it is preferable that the top portion40T faces the sideways laying recess34(the sideways laying boss34A) in a state in which the attachable and detachable cover40is mounted on the main body cover30(seeFIG.5). The top portion40T may be regarded as a vertex, and may be regarded as a surface having a predetermined range.

As described above, as shown inFIG.10, the outboard motor1when not in use is removed from the boat5and is placed on the ground GL in the storage posture P in which the outboard motor1is laid sideways. In the outboard motor1in the storage posture P, the propeller26(the gear case24and the like) and the top portion40T of the attachable and detachable cover40are in contact with the ground GL. A weight (a load) of the electric motor11or the like is applied to the lower attachable and detachable cover40in contact with the ground GL, and the load is supported by the electric motor11via the sideways laying boss34A of the main body cover30(the divided cover31) (seeFIG.5). The cushion member34B overlaid on the sideways laying boss34A cushions the load applied to the main body cover30and the attachable and detachable cover40(or the electric motor11).

Separation of Attachable and Detachable Cover

Next, a procedure for separating the attachable and detachable cover40from the main body cover30will be described. The user (the operator) hooks the finger thereof on the edge of the attachable and detachable cover40and pulls the attachable and detachable cover40outward in the left-right direction. Each loop surface portion F2of the attachable and detachable cover40is peeled from a respective one of the hook surface portions F1of the divided covers31, and the attachable and detachable cover40is separated from the main body cover30.

By removing the attachable and detachable cover40, the small tools stored in the storage space SP can be taken out. By removing the right attachable and detachable cover40, the window portion35is exposed, and the user can check the remaining amount of cooling water through the window portion35. Since the connection port57is exposed, the external device can be connected to the connection port57via a cable or the like, and the external device can be operated. Further, by removing the left attachable and detachable cover40, the tool held by a holding portion36is exposed, and the user can perform simple maintenance using the tool.

According to the above-described motor cover10(the cover structure of the upper unit2) in the present embodiment, the attachable and detachable cover40can be mounted on and removed from the divided cover31. Therefore, for example, the user can remove the present attachable and detachable cover40and mount the attachable and detachable cover40to which the favorite design for the user has been applied. Since the light from the light emitter50is emitted to the outside through the light transmitting portion43provided in the attachable and detachable cover40, for example, by changing the shape and the size of the light transmitting portion43, it is possible to implement an electric decoration according to the preference of the user. Accordingly, since the design of a part of the upper unit2can be easily changed, it is possible to respond to the desire of the user to customize the motor cover10(design of the motor cover10) of the upper unit2. Since only the attachable and detachable cover40is replaced, the cost related to the replacement (the design change) can be reduced as compared with the case in Which the entire motor cover10is replaced. The light emitter50can be used as a portion (a portion that notifies the user) that displays the output (the operation information) of the electric motor11, the remaining amount of the battery13, and various types of other information of the outboard motor1. Further, the light emitter50that causes a side surface of the upper unit2to emit light can be used as a portion that notifies another boat of the position of the own boat.

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the attachable and detachable cover40mounted on the main body cover30includes the top portion40T of the outboard motor1in the left-right direction. When the outboard motor1is set to the storage posture P, the top portion40T of the attachable and detachable cover40comes into contact with the ground GL (seeFIG.10). Therefore, the attachable and detachable cover40is likely to be scratched. In terms of this problem, according to the motor cover10in the present embodiment, since the attachable and detachable cover40is attachable and detachable, the scratched attachable and detachable cover40can be easily replaced with the attachable and detachable cover40without being scratched.

The outboard motor1may be set to the storage posture P in a stale (not shown) in which the attachable and detachable cover40is removed. In this case, since a top portion (for example, the portion corresponding to the sideways laying boss34A) present within the range of the mounting recess32of the main body cover30(the divided cover31) comes into contact with the ground GL, the divided cover31may be scratched. However, the scratch on the divided cover31can be hidden by mounting the attachable and detachable cover40.

Further, in the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the first fastening member37used to assemble the pair of divided covers31is provided in the mounting recess32, and the second fastening member38is provided at a position separated downward from the mounting recess32(seeFIG.3). According to this configuration, the first fastening member37can be covered with the attachable and detachable cover40, and the second fastening member38can be provided at an inconspicuous position of the lower portion of the upper unit2. Accordingly, the first fastening member37and the second fastening member38are not conspicuous in the state in which the divided cover31is assembled, and the appearance of the upper unit2can be improved.

According to the motor cover10in the present embodiment, the storage space SP is formed between the divided cover31and the attachable and detachable cover40. Therefore, for example, small tools and the like used for fishing purposes such as a fishing hook, a fishing thread, and a small light can be stored in the storage space SP.

According to the motor cover10in the present embodiment, by removing the right attachable and detachable cover40, the window portion35is exposed, and the remaining amount of the cooling water can be easily inspected through the window portion35. Since the tool can be held by the holding portion36, it is not necessary to carry a case or the like in which the tool is stored, and it is possible to easily perform simple maintenance using the tool held by the holding portion36. Further, since the electric power can be supplied to the external device connected to the connection port57, the external device requiring the electric power can be easily used.

According to the motor cover10in the present embodiment, the user can freely change the light emitting state by operating the external communication terminal56. In addition to being able to implement the electric decoration according to the preference of the user without replacing the attachable and detachable cover40or the light emitter50, it is possible to synchronize the light emitting state with the target to present the status of the outboard motor1to the user.

The outboard motor1according to the present embodiment is divided into three portions which are the upper unit2, the middle unit3, and the lower unit4. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the middle unit3may be regarded as a part of the lower unit4, and the outboard motor may be implemented by two upper and lower units (the upper unit2and the lower unit4) (not shown).

The outboard motor1according to the present embodiment uses the electric motor11as the power source. However, instead of the electric motor11, a small internal combustion engine (for example, an internal combustion engine in which exhaust gas is open to the atmosphere) may be used as the power source, or a hybrid power source in which the electric motor11and the internal combustion engine are combined may be provided (none of the small internal combustion engine and the hybrid power source is shown).

In the motor cover10(the cover structure of the upper unit2) according to the present embodiment, the light emission control unit52of the light emitter50is provided in the main body cover30, and the light source51is exposed on the surface of the divided cover31. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a light emitter (not shown) in which the light emission control unit52and the light source51are unitized (integrated) may be provided between the divided cover31and the attachable and detachable cover40(in storage space SP). According to this configuration, it is possible to attain the same effect as the above-described embodiment. For example, it is possible to easily customize the design of the upper unit2, and it is possible to inform another boat of the position of the own boat. The light emitter can be easily replaced simply by removing the attachable and detachable cover40.

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the attachable and detachable cover40is provided on each of the pair of divided covers31. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the attachable and detachable cover40may be attachable to and detachable from a part of the outer surface of at least one of the pair of divided covers31. The attachable and detachable cover40is provided in the central region of the divided cover31in the side view. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The attachable and detachable cover40may be provided at a position shifted from the central region of the divided cover31in the front-rear direction or the upper-lower direction (not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the attachable and detachable cover40is formed in a bowl shape having a curved surface. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The attachable and detachable cover40may have, for example, a columnar shape or a cone shape having a circular or polygonal bottom surface (not shown). That is, the attachable and detachable cover40may have any shape as long as the attachable and detachable cover40has a shape in which the top portion40T is provided and the storage space SP can be formed between the attachable and detachable cover40and the divided cover31.

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the storage space SP is formed between the attachable and detachable cover40and the divided cover31. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the storage space SP may be omitted, and the attachable and detachable cover40may be mounted in a state of being in contact with the divided cover31without interposing the storage space SP (not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the light transmitting portion43is provided in a part of the right attachable and detachable cover40. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the attachable and detachable cover40may be formed of a material that transmits light, and the entire attachable and detachable cover40may function as the light transmitting portion43(not shown). For example, the light transmitting portion43may be provided in the left attachable and detachable cover40or may be provided in both the left and right attachable and detachable covers40(not shown). In this case, the light source51of the light emitter50is also provided on the same side as the light transmitting portion43(not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the second light transmitting portion43B and the third light transmitting portion43C of the light transmitting portion43are integrally molded. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first light transmitting portion43A to the third light transmitting portion43C may be formed separately from one another, or may be formed integrally (not shown). The positions and the shapes of the light transmitting portions43(the first light transmitting portion43A to the third light transmitting portion43C) are not limited to the positions and the shapes described above, and may be freely changed. In this case, the light source51of the light emitter50may be provided corresponding to the positions and the shapes of the first light transmitting portion43A to the third light transmitting portion43C (not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the light transmitting portion43includes the first light transmitting portion43A to the third light transmitting portion43C. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the light transmitting portion43may include at least one of the first light transmitting portion43A to the third light transmitting portion43C, or may further include other light transmitting portions (not shown). In this case, the light source51of the light emitter50may be provided corresponding to at least one of the first light transmitting portion43A to the third light transmitting portion43C and the other light transmitting portions (not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the short-range wireless communication technology is used for the communication between the light emitter50(the communication unit55) and the external communication terminal56. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As another communication method between the communication unit55and the external communication terminal56, for example, a mobile phone line, a wireless LAN, or the like may be used, or infrared communication or the like may be used. The communication unit55executes the wireless communication with the external communication terminal56. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and wired communication with the external communication terminal56may be executed. The external communication terminal56is not limited to a smartphone, and may be a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, a dedicated terminal for the outboard motor1, or the like (not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the light emitter50(the arithmetic processing unit54) changes the light emitting state according to the output of the electric motor11or the increase or decrease in the remaining amount of the battery13. However, when an internal combustion engine is used as the power source, the output of the internal combustion engine, the remaining amount of fuel, and the like may be selectable as targets to be synchronized with the light emitting state of the light source51(not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the pair of divided covers31are assembled by the three first fastening members37and the two second fastening members38. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The pair of divided covers31may be assembled by at least one first fastening member37and at least one second fastening member38.

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the hook surface portion F1of the hook-and-loop fastener is fixed to the divided cover31, and the loop surface portion F2of the hook-and-loop fastener is fixed to the attachable and detachable cover40. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The loop surface portion F2may be fixed to the divided cover31, and the hook surface portion F1may be fixed to the attachable and detachable cover40(not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the hook-and-loop fastener is used as a portion that allows the attachable and detachable cover40to be mounted on the divided cover31. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As another mounting portion, for example, a snap lock (a fastener) may be used that performs locking by hooking and tilting a lever provided on one of the divided cover31and the attachable and detachable cover40by a protrusion provided on the other of the divided cover31and the attachable and detachable cover40(not shown). As another mounting portion, for example, a claw-shaped hook may be provided on one of the divided cover31and the attachable and detachable cover40, and a recess for locking the hook may be formed on the other of the divided cover31and the attachable and detachable cover40(not shown). Further, as another mounting portion, a magnet may be used (not shown). The various mounting portions described above may be combined (not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the window portion35is provided in order to check the remaining amount of the cooling water. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when an internal combustion engine is used as the power source, the window portion35may be provided in order to check the amount of oil.

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the window portion35and the connection port57are formed in the right divided cover31, and the holding portion36is provided in the left divided cover31. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, conversely, the holding portion36may be provided on the right divided cover31, and the window portion35and the connection port57may be provided on the left divided cover31(not shown). In addition, at least one of the window portion35, the holding portion36, and the connection port57may be provided on the divided covers31on both sides, or the window portion35, the holding portion36, and the connection port57may be omitted (not shown). Two or more connection ports57may be formed (not shown).

In the motor cover10according to the present embodiment, the two holding portions36are provided. However, at least one holding portion36may be provided. The holding portion36is a recess conforming to the shape of the tool. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The holding portion36may be, for example, a hook that is hooked to a part of the tool (not shown). The tool serving as an example of the predetermined article is held in the holding portion36. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A replacement component or the like serving as another example of the article may be held by the holding portion36(not shown).

The present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention which can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and the outboard motor accompanying this modification is also included in the technical concept of the present invention.