U.S. patent application number 10/978219 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for power source device for boat.
Invention is credited to Okuyama, Takashi.
Application Number | 20050287880 10/978219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35506505 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050287880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okuyama, Takashi |
December 29, 2005 |
Power source device for boat
Abstract
To maintain stabilized operation of a boat engine, a propulsion
device may be provided with two separate batteries for different
uses in case one of the batteries suffers a voltage drop. A power
source device is provided with a propulsion battery for supplying
power to engine-related components of an outboard motor and an
auxiliary battery for supplying power to boat accessories. An
anomaly time power supply circuit is connected to the power supply
route of the propulsion battery and the power supply route of the
auxiliary battery. Electric power from the auxiliary battery is
supplied to the engine-related components when the charged voltage
of the propulsion battery lowers below the charged voltage of the
auxiliary battery, so that power to the engine-related components
is supplemented in order to maintain stabilized operation of the
engine.
Inventors: |
Okuyama, Takashi;
(Hamamatsu-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
35506505 |
Appl. No.: |
10/978219 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
440/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02T 70/50 20130101;
H02J 7/1423 20130101; B63J 2003/002 20130101; Y02T 70/529 20130101;
H02J 2310/42 20200101; B63J 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
440/001 |
International
Class: |
B63H 021/22; B63H
023/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 28, 2004 |
JP |
2004-189639 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A power source device for a boat comprising: a propulsion
battery for supplying electric power to a propulsion device of the
boat; an auxiliary battery for supplying electric power to other
devices of the boat; and an anomaly power supply circuit for
supplying electric power from the auxiliary battery when a voltage
drop occurs in the propulsion battery.
2. A power source device for a boat comprising: a propulsion
battery for supplying electric power to the propulsion device of
the boat; an auxiliary battery for supplying electric power to
auxiliary devices of the boat; an anomaly power supply circuit for
supplying electric power from the auxiliary battery when voltage
drop occurs in the propulsion battery; a voltage detecting means
for individually detecting the voltages of the propulsion battery
and the auxiliary battery; and an anomaly processing section for
performing an anomaly processing action when a battery anomaly is
detected based on the voltages of the propulsion battery and the
auxiliary battery detected with the voltage detecting means.
3. The power source device of claim 2, wherein the anomaly
processing section is adapted to give out a low voltage anomaly
alarm for either the propulsion battery or the auxiliary battery
when a low voltage is detected for the battery in question.
4. The power source device of claim 2, wherein the anomaly
processing section is adapted to detect a parallel connection
anomaly of the propulsion battery and the auxiliary battery based
on the voltages of both batteries.
5. The power source device of claim 2, wherein the anomaly power
supply circuit is adapted that a positive pole side of the
auxiliary battery is connected to a positive pole side of the
propulsion battery through a pair of diodes to prevent roundabout
current from flowing from one to the other of the propulsion
battery and the auxiliary battery.
6. The power source device of claim 2, wherein the anomaly power
supply circuit is provided with a relay switch for connecting the
positive pole side of the auxiliary battery to the positive pole
side of the propulsion battery by the input of a control
signal.
7. The power source device of claim 2, wherein the anomaly power
supply circuit is provided with a relay switch for connecting the
positive pole side of the auxiliary battery to the positive pole
side of the propulsion battery, and the relay switch is actuated
with a control signal outputted from the anomaly processing section
when a low voltage of the propulsion battery is detected.
8. A power source device for a boat, the power source device
comprising: a propulsion battery for supplying electric power to a
propulsion device of the boat; an auxiliary battery for supplying
electric power to auxiliaries of the boat; a power supply circuit
for supplying electric power from the auxiliary battery when a
voltage drop occurs in the propulsion battery; and an anomaly
processing section configured to detect voltages of the propulsion
battery and the auxiliary battery, the anomaly processing section
being configured to detect at least one of the following power
source anomalies: a low battery voltage in the auxiliary battery, a
low battery voltage in the propulsion battery, a parallel
connection, and a broken wire; wherein when the anomaly processing
section detects a low battery voltage in the propulsion battery,
the anomaly processing section increases the output of a
generator.
9. The power source device of claim 8, wherein the power supply
circuit comprises a plurality of diodes configured to permit the
auxiliary battery to supplement the propulsion battery when the
propulsion battery falls below the voltage of the auxiliary
battery.
10. The power source device of claim 8, wherein the power supply
circuit comprises a switch that is configured to place the
auxiliary battery in connection with at least one of the components
powered by the propulsion battery.
11. The power source device of claim 8, wherein the propulsion
battery is recharged by the increased generator output.
12. The power source device of claim 8, wherein the anomaly
processing section comprises a microprocessor.
13. The power source device of claim 12, wherein the microprocessor
is part of the engine control unit.
14. The power source device of claim 12, wherein the microprocessor
controls at least one operation of the engine.
15. A method of controlling a boat's power supply when the boat has
a plurality of batteries and a generator, the method comprising:
detecting the voltage of a propulsion battery and comparing the
detected voltage with a first threshold propulsion battery voltage;
supplementing the voltage of the propulsion battery with the
voltage of the auxiliary battery when the voltage of the propulsion
battery falls below the first threshold propulsion battery voltage;
determining whether a drop in propulsion battery voltage is caused
by a broken wire or low battery voltage when the propulsion battery
voltage falls below the first threshold propulsion battery voltage;
and providing at least one of an audible and visual signal that
either a low battery voltage or a broken wire and increased
generator output when the cause of the drop in propulsion battery
voltage is determined.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the auxiliary battery
supplements the propulsion battery when the propulsion battery
falls below the voltage of the auxiliary battery.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the auxiliary battery
supplements the propulsion battery when a power supply circuit is
switched to connect the auxiliary battery with at least one
component powered by the propulsion battery.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the determination of the drop
in propulsion battery voltage is made by comparing the propulsion
battery voltage with a broken wire threshold voltage.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising detecting the
voltage of an auxiliary battery and comparing the detected voltage
with a threshold auxiliary battery voltage.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of either an
audible or visual signal is provided to indicate low auxiliary
battery voltage when the auxiliary battery voltage falls below the
threshold auxiliary battery voltage.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein the difference between
propulsion battery and auxiliary battery is compared to a
difference threshold voltage.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of either an
audible or visual signal is provided indicating a parallel
connection if the difference between the propulsion battery and the
auxiliary battery falls below the difference threshold voltage.
23. The method of claim 15, wherein the auxiliary battery
supplements the propulsion battery until the propulsion battery
voltage is greater than a second threshold propulsion battery
voltage, the second threshold propulsion battery voltage being
greater than the threshold propulsion battery voltage.
24. A power source device for a boat, the power source device
comprising: a propulsion battery for supplying electric power to a
propulsion device of the boat; an auxiliary battery for supplying
electric power to auxiliaries of the boat; means for supplying
electric power from the auxiliary battery when a voltage drop
occurs in the propulsion battery; means for detecting at least one
of the following power source anomalies: a low battery voltage in
the auxiliary battery, a low battery voltage in the propulsion
battery, a parallel connection, and a broken wire; and means for
increasing the output of a generator when a low battery voltage is
detected in the propulsion battery.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2004189639, filed Jun. 28, 2004, the entire
contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a power source device for
supplying power to a propulsion device on a boat, such as, for
example, an outboard motor.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Boats often have two batteries for different operations and
requirements of the boat's propulsion and auxiliary power needs. A
large capacity battery is used for the supplying power to the
engine and other engine components, such as the starting motor,
ignition device, etc. The large capacity battery is used to
initiate operation of the engine by turning the starting motor and
operating the ignition devices to start an internal combustion
engine, for example. A smaller capacity battery is also used for
supplying power to peripheral devices or accessories, such as a
navigation lamp or instrument panel.
[0006] When the large and small capacity batteries drop in voltage,
the batteries may be recharged by a generator, such as an
alternator, that supplies power to the batteries when the engine is
operating. The boats also contain a power regulation device that
permits the generator to recharge the batteries to their full
capacity during operation of the engine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An aspect of the present invention involves the recognition
that in prior power regulation devices with two boat batteries and
two separate electric power supply routes, one battery cannot
supplement the other battery if a voltage drop occurs in the first
battery. Because most propulsion devices employ a fuel injector,
interruption of electric power to the fuel injector may prevent
fuel from being injected into the engine, which may cause the
engine to stop operating. If a voltage drop occurs in the
propulsion battery or a wire breaks in the battery power supply
circuit while the engine is in operation, power supply to the
engine is provided by the generator, which may lead to instability
of the power source and failure of the engine should the generator
be unable to consistently provide the required power.
[0008] Accordingly, disclosed herein is a power source device that
is capable of providing a continued stabilized driving state of the
propulsion device by supplementing the power of one battery with
the power of another battery should a voltage drop occur in the
first battery.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the power
source device for the boat may comprise a propulsion battery for
supplying electric power to a propulsion device of the boat and an
auxiliary battery for supplying electric power to other devices of
the boat. The power source device may also include an anomaly time
power supply circuit for supplying electric power from the
auxiliary battery when a voltage drop occurs in the propulsion
battery.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect, the power source device
may comprise a propulsion battery for supplying electric power to a
propulsion device of the boat, an auxiliary battery for supplying
electric power to auxiliary devices of the boat, an anomaly time
power supply circuit for supplying electric power from the
auxiliary battery when a voltage drop occurs in the propulsion
battery, a voltage detecting means for individually detecting the
voltages of the propulsion battery and the auxiliary battery, and
an anomaly processing section for performing an anomaly processing
action when a battery anomaly is detected based on the voltages of
the propulsion battery and the auxiliary battery detected with the
voltage detecting means.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect, a power source device for
a boat is provided. The power source device may comprise a
propulsion battery for supplying electric power to a propulsion
device of the boat and an auxiliary battery for supplying electric
power to auxiliaries of the boat. The power source device may also
comprise a power supply circuit for supplying electric power from
the auxiliary battery when a voltage drop occurs in the propulsion
battery and an anomaly processing section that is configured to
detect voltages of the propulsion battery and the auxiliary
battery. The anomaly processing section may be configured to detect
at least one of the following power source anomalies: a low battery
voltage in the auxiliary battery, a low battery voltage in the
propulsion battery, a parallel connection, and a broken wire. When
the anomaly processing section detects a low battery voltage in the
propulsion battery, the anomaly processing section may increase the
output of a generator.
[0012] A method is also provided for controlling a boat's power
supply when the boat has a plurality of batteries and a generator.
The method may comprise detecting the voltage of a propulsion
battery and comparing the detected voltage with a first threshold
propulsion battery voltage. The method may also comprise
supplementing the voltage of the propulsion battery with the
voltage of the auxiliary battery when the voltage of the propulsion
battery falls below the first threshold propulsion battery voltage.
The method also comprises determining whether a drop in propulsion
battery voltage is caused by a broken wire or low battery voltage
when the propulsion battery voltage falls below the first threshold
propulsion battery voltage, and providing at least one of an
audible and visual signal that either a low battery voltage or a
broken wire exists and increased generator output when the cause of
the drop in propulsion battery voltage is determined.
[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
power source device for a boat is provided. The power source device
preferably comprises a propulsion battery for supplying electric
power to a propulsion device of the boat, and an auxiliary battery
for supplying electric power to auxiliaries of the boat. The power
source device also preferably comprises means for supplying
electric power from the auxiliary battery when a voltage drop
occurs in the propulsion battery, and means for detecting at least
one of the following power source anomalies: a low battery voltage
in the auxiliary battery, a low battery voltage in the propulsion
battery, a parallel connection, and a broken wire. Additionally,
when a low battery voltage is detected in the propulsion battery,
the output of a generator is increased.
[0014] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects,
advantages, and features of the invention have been described
herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such
aspects, advantages, or features are required in any particular
aspect of the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that
the above summary is not intended to limit in any way the aspects,
advantages, or features described below in the Detailed Description
of the Preferred Embodiments or the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an aspect of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an outboard motor of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an electric circuit diagram of an aspect of a
power source device of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an electric circuit diagram of another aspect of a
power source device.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a battery anomaly control process
sequence in the engine control unit of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram of another aspect of a
power source device.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a battery anomaly control process
sequence in the engine control unit of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] With reference to the figures, certain aspects will be
described, which aspects provide power supply devices for
regulating the power supply from a propulsion battery and an
auxiliary battery to reduce the likelihood of an unstable power
supply should a voltage drop occur in the propulsion battery.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a small boat 1 that may comprise a boat
body 2 of an open deck type and an outboard motor 3 mounted on the
stem of the boat body 2. In the front part of the boat body 2 are
provided a steering wheel 4, a seat 5, a remote-control lever 6,
and an operator's space provided with a switch panel 7 having,
among other things, a main switch, a starting switch, and a meter
panel 8.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the outboard motor 3 is supported on the
stem 2a of the boat body 2 by means of a clamp bracket 21 to be
swung up and down and swiveled horizontally. The outboard motor 3
comprises a propulsion device 22 housed in a lower case 23 on which
is placed an engine 3E. The propulsion device 22 is configured such
that a propeller shaft 26 is connected through a bevel gear
mechanism 25 to the lower end of a driveshaft 24 extending
vertically. A propeller 27 is attached to the rear end of the
propeller shaft 26.
[0025] The bevel gear mechanism 25 is made up of a drive bevel gear
25a attached to the drive shaft 24, and a forward bevel gear 25b
and a reverse bevel gear 25c, both rotatably supported on the
propeller shaft 26 and engaging with the drive bevel gear 25a.
[0026] The propulsion device 22 is provided with a forward-reverse
shift device 28 driven to rotate with an electric motor 28a, a
shift rod 28b extending vertically, and a dog clutch 28c connected
to the shift rod 28b. The dog clutch 28c controls the shifting of
the forward bevel gear 25b and the reverse bevel gear 25c so that
either of them engages with the drive bevel gear 25a to produce
forward or reverse motion, or a neutral state is produced when
neither of them engages the gear 25a.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the engine 3E may be a water-cooled,
four-stroke cycle, six-cylinder, fuel injection type, with a
crankshaft 30 placed vertically so as to be nearly vertical when
the boat runs. The lower end of the crankshaft 30 is connected to
the upper end of a drive shaft 24. The engine 3E comprises a
cylinder block 31 provided with cylinders 31a in which pistons 32
are inserted, with the pistons 32 connected through connecting rods
33 to the crankshaft 30.
[0028] A cylinder head 34 is tightened to the back face, as seen in
the longitudinal direction of the boat, of the cylinder block 31.
An ignition plug 35 is attached to the combustion chamber 34a
formed with each cylinder 31a and the cylinder head 34. An exhaust
port 36 and an intake port 37 in communication with each combustion
chamber 34a are respectively provided with an exhaust valve 38 and
an intake valve 39 which are driven to open and close with
camshafts 40 and 41 placed parallel to the crankshaft 30. Also
shown are an ignition coil 35a and an igniter 35b.
[0029] The exhaust ports 36 are connected to an exhaust manifold 42
so that exhaust gas flows through a lower case 23 from the exhaust
manifold 42 and is discharged out of the rear end of the propulsion
device 22. Each intake port 37 is connected to an intake pipe 43
within which is provided an electronically controlled throttle
valve 44. A fuel injection valve 45 is inserted in part of the
cylinder head 34 facing each intake port 37, with the injection
nozzle of the fuel injection valve 45 directed to the opening of
each intake port 37.
[0030] Fuel is supplied through a fuel supply system 12 placed in
the stem 2a of the boat body 2 to the fuel injection valves 45. The
fuel supply system 12 is constituted that fuel in a fuel tank 12a
placed in the stern 2a of the boat body 2 is supplied to a vapor
separator tank 12c placed on the engine side using a fuel pump 12b
and that the fuel in this tank 12c is supplied to the fuel
injection valve 45 using a high pressure pump 12d.
[0031] The engine 3E is provided with an engine control means, or
an engine control unit 46, constituted with a microcomputer or the
like. The engine control unit 46 receives input of values detected
with an engine speed sensor 47 for detecting the rotary speed of
the crankshaft 30, an intake pressure sensor 48, a throttle opening
sensor 49, an engine temperature sensor 50, and a cylinder
discriminating sensor 51. The engine control unit 46 also receives
input of the boat speed value detected with a boat speed sensor
(not shown) and the throttle opening command value that is chosen
with the remote-control lever 6, through a bus 15 constituting a
local area network. A start signal ST is supplied from a start
switch on the switch panel 7 to a starter relay 52. When a starting
motor 54 is made operative with a starting circuit 53, the engine
control unit 46 starts the engine 3E while controlling the fuel
injection rate, timing of the fuel injection valves 45, and the
ignition timing of the ignition plugs 35 based on the detected
engine speed and other detected values. The engine control unit 46
controls the engine speed based on the detected values and in
accordance with a pre-stored operation control map. The crankshaft
30 is connected to a generator, which may be an alternator.
[0032] The electric motor 28a of the forward-reverse shift device
28 is driven to rotate with a shift control unit 60, which may be a
microcomputer, for example. When one of the forward, reverse, and
neutral positions is chosen with the remote control lever 6, shift
position data corresponding to the chosen position is transmitted
through the data bus 15 to the shift control unit 60. When the
shift position denotes the forward position, the shift control unit
60 operates the dog clutch 28c by rotating the shift rod 28b so
that the forward bevel gear 25b engages with the drive bevel gear
25a. When the shift position denotes the reverse position, the
shift control unit 60 operates the dog clutch 28c by rotating the
shift rod 28b so that the reverse bevel gear 25c engages with the
drive bevel gear 25a. When the shift position detection data
denotes the neutral position, the shift control unit 60 rotates the
shift rod 28b so that both the forward bevel gear 25b and the
reverse bevel gear 25c are disengaged from the drive bevel gear
25a.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, power is supplied from a power source
device 70 to the fuel pump 12b and the high pressure pump 12d of
the fuel supply system 12, the igniter 35b, the engine control unit
46, the starter relay 52, and the shift control unit 60.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the power source device 70 may
comprise a propulsion battery 71 of a relatively large capacity for
supplying electricity to a propulsion driving system 61 including
the fuel supply system 12, the igniter 35b, the engine control unit
46, the starter relay 52, and the shift control unit 60, and an
auxiliary battery 73 of a relatively. small capacity for supplying
electricity to boat accessories 72, having individual switches,
such as a navigation lamp and an instrument panel.
[0035] The propulsion battery 71 preferably has its negative pole
grounded, and its positive pole is preferably connected through a
main switch 74 to the starter relay 52 and the igniter 35b. The
positive pole is also preferably connected to the fuel supply
system 12, engine control unit 46, and the shift control unit 60
through the main switch 74 and a diode D1 for preventing roundabout
current.
[0036] The auxiliary battery 73 preferably has its negative pole
grounded while its positive pole is preferably directly connected
to the boat accessories 72, each having a built-in power source
switch. The positive pole is also connected through a sub-switch 75
interlocking with the main switch 74 and a diode D2 for supplying
power to the fuel supply system 12, the engine control unit 46, and
the shift control unit 60. Diode D2 operates in the above
arrangement to prevent roundabout current. The diodes D1 and D2 for
preventing roundabout current constitute an anomaly time power
supply circuit 76.
[0037] The power from the generator 55 flows through a full-wave
rectification circuit 77 and through diodes D3 and D4 to a
connection line between the main switch 74 and the anode of diode
D1 and to another connection line between the sub-switch 75 and the
anode of diode D2. This arrangement permits the generator 55 to
charge the propulsion battery 71 and the auxiliary battery 73 with
power generated, and the arrangement also permits the generator 55
to supply power to the fuel pump 12b and the high pressure pump 12d
of the fuel supply system 12, the igniter 35b, the engine control
unit 46, the starter relay 52, and the shift control unit 60.
[0038] In accordance with one aspect, and as illustrated in FIG. 3,
it is assumed that charged voltages Vp and Vs of the propulsion
battery 71 and the auxiliary battery 73 of the power source device
70 are both in the normal state and above a threshold voltage Vh.
In this state, if the main switch 74 is off, the sub-switch 75
interlocking with it is also off. Therefore, no electric power is
supplied to the propulsion device operating systems, which include
the fuel pump 12b and the high pressure pump 12c of the fuel supply
system 12, the igniter 35b, the engine control unit 46, the starter
relay 52, and the shift control unit 60, and also no power is
supplied to the boat accessories 72.
[0039] When the main switch 74 is turned on in the above state, the
sub-switch 75 interlocking with it is also turned on. The power of
the propulsion battery 71 is supplied through the main switch 74 to
the starter relay 52, through the diode D1 to the fuel pump 12b and
the high pressure pump 12d of the fuel supply system 12, the
igniter 35b, and further to the engine control unit 46 and the
shift control unit 60 so that these devices are able to operate.
The electric power of the auxiliary battery 73 is also supplied to
the boat accessories 72.
[0040] Therefore, when power switches built in the boat accessories
72 are turned on, electric power is supplied to the navigation
lamp, the instrument panel, etc. When the starting switch is turned
on for a required period of time, the starter relay 52 is turned on
to supply electric power to the starting circuit 53. As a result,
the starting motor 54 is driven to rotate the crankshaft 30. At the
same time, the engine 3E is started while ignition timing of the
ignition plugs 35 and igniter 35b is controlled with the engine
control unit 46 according to the engine revolution detected with
the engine speed sensor 47.
[0041] When the engine 3E is started in this way, electricity
generated with the generator 55 is supplied through the full-wave
rectification circuit 77 and the diodes D3 and D4 between the
propulsion device operating systems and the propulsion battery 71
and between the boat accessories 72 and the auxiliary battery 73.
Therefore, when the voltage of the generated electric power exceeds
the charged voltages of the propulsion battery 71 and the auxiliary
battery 73 and when the generated electric power exceeds the
electric power consumed with the propulsion device operating
systems and the boat accessories 72, the propulsion battery 71 and
the auxiliary battery 73 are charged with the surplus electric
power.
[0042] If the propulsion battery 71 runs down and its charged
voltage becomes lower than the charged voltage of the auxiliary
battery 73, the voltage potential following diode D1 will likewise
decrease, permitting diode D2 to become active and permit current
to flow therethrough. Accordingly, electric power from the
auxiliary battery 73 is supplied through diode D2 to the fuel pump
12b and the high pressure pump 12d of the fuel supply system 12,
the engine control unit 46, and the shift control unit 60, so that
it is possible to secure stabilized electric power supply to the
fuel supply system and maintain favorable fuel injection out of the
fuel injection valves 45 while the engine 3E is in operation.
Because electric power generated with the generator 55 is supplied
to the igniter 35b, timing control of the ignition plugs 35 is
effected as usual to continue operating condition of the engine
3E.
[0043] When the wire breaks between the propulsion battery 71 and
the interconnection point of the diodes D1 and D3, so that electric
power cannot be supplied from the propulsion battery 71 to the
propulsion device operating systems, it is possible to supply
electric power from the auxiliary battery 73 through the diode D2
and maintain normal operation of the engine 3E. Accordingly, should
the voltage of the propulsion battery 71 lower or the wire breaks
between the propulsion battery 71 and the propulsion device
operating systems so that adequate power cannot be supplied to the
fuel supply system 12 and the control units 46 and 60, power can be
supplied from the auxiliary battery 73 through the anomaly time
power supply circuit 76 made up of the diodes D1 and D2. This will
permit that at least operation of fuel injection can be
maintained.
[0044] A second aspect is illustrated in FIG. 4 that is adapted to
monitor the charged voltages of the propulsion battery 71 and the
auxiliary battery 73 and to implement anomaly processing such as
sounding an alarm when a voltage drop anomaly of the propulsion
battery 71 is detected.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, voltages of the propulsion battery 71
and the auxiliary battery 73 of the power source device 70 are
inputted to A/D conversion input terminals AD1 and AD2 of the
engine control unit 46, which monitors the voltages of both the
batteries 71 and 73 and detects anomaly. The anomaly, when
detected, is processed according to its mode.
[0046] According to one aspect, the engine control unit 46 performs
a power source anomaly control process to test for anomalies in the
power supply, as shown in FIG. 5. While in the preferred aspect,
the power source anomaly control process is performed by the engine
control unit 46, it is contemplated that the process may be
performed by a separate component or controller.
[0047] The power source anomaly control process preferably begins
with step S1, where voltages Vp and Vs of the propulsion battery 71
and the auxiliary battery 73 are read. Additionally, Next in step
S2, a determination is made whether the voltage Vp of the
propulsion battery 71 has lowered below a predetermined threshold
voltage Vpt. If Vp>Vpt, or the voltage Vp is not lower than or
equal to the predetermined threshold voltage Vpt, it is tentatively
regarded that the voltage Vp is sufficient and the propulsion
battery 71 is normal.
[0048] In comparing the voltages, it is contemplated that analog
circuitry may be used as well as digital logic. Additionally, while
the lines of communication between sensors that determine the
voltage and the engine control unit 46 are illustrated as being
hard-wired, it is contemplated that the information may also be
communicated through a local area network (LAN). For example, the
information could be communicated through the LAN by hard-wire or
wireless (e.g., RF or infrared).
[0049] The process then proceeds with step S3, in which a
determination is made whether the voltage Vs of the auxiliary
battery 73 is lower than a predetermined threshold voltage Vst. If
Vs>Vst, or the voltage Vs is not lower than or equal to the
predetermined threshold voltage Vst, it is tentatively regarded
that the voltage Vs is sufficient and the auxiliary battery 73 is
normal. The process goes on to step S4.
[0050] In step S4, a determination is made whether the absolute
value .vertline..DELTA.V.vertline. of the voltage difference
.DELTA.V from the voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 and the
voltage Vs of the auxiliary battery 73 is not greater than a
predetermined value .DELTA.Vx, or difference threshold,
continuously for a predetermined period of time (for example about
one minute). If the absolute value .vertline..DELTA.V.vertline. of
the voltage difference .DELTA.V is held not greater than a
predetermined value .DELTA.Vx for the predetermined period of time,
it is determined that a parallel connection anomaly is present in
which the positive poles of the propulsion battery 71 and the
auxiliary battery 73 are directly interconnected in parallel by
mistake. The process goes on to step S5 in which a guidance
information indicating the parallel connection anomaly or anomaly
display information is displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD)
80, which may be provided on the switch panel 7. At the same time,
an alarm signal may be outputted to a speaker 81 that may likewise
be provided near the switch panel 7. The process then goes back to
step S1. In the case the absolute value
.vertline..DELTA.V.vertline. of the voltage difference .DELTA.V is
greater than the predetermined value .DELTA.Vx, it is determined to
be a normal state in which the positive poles of the propulsion
battery 71 and the auxiliary battery 73 are isolated from each
other, and the process returns directly to the step S1.
[0051] If the determination in step S2 results in Vp.ltoreq.Vpt, or
the voltage Vp is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold
voltage Vpt, it is regarded that the voltage Vp of the propulsion
battery 71 is insufficient. The process goes to step S6 and a
determination is made whether the voltage Vp of the propulsion
battery 71 is not greater than a broken wire threshold voltage Vpc,
which is preferably near "zero." If the determination results in
Vp>Vpc, or the voltage Vp is greater than the threshold voltage
Vpc, the propulsion battery 71 is determined to be in a low voltage
state due to insufficient charged voltage or the like, and the
process goes on to step S7 in which guidance information or anomaly
display information denoting a low battery voltage anomaly is
displayed on the LCD 80, and an alarm is outputted to the speaker
81. The process proceeds to step S8, a process of increasing
generated electricity, in which the engine speed is increased to
provide an increased amount of generated electricity by the
generator 55 to recharge the propulsion battery 71. The process
then returns to step S1.
[0052] If the determination in the above step S6 results in the
voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 is not greater than the
broken wire threshold voltage Vpc, it is regarded that a broken
wire or short circuit has occurred in the electric power supply
route between the propulsion battery 71 and the A/D conversion
input terminal AD1 of the engine control unit 46, and the process
goes on to step S9 in which guidance information denoting a broken
wire or short circuit, or broken wire anomaly display information,
is outputted to the LCD 80, and an alarm signal is supplied to the
speaker 81. Then, the process goes on to step S8 described
above.
[0053] Furthermore, if the determination in step S3 results in the
voltage Vs of the auxiliary battery 73 not greater than the
threshold voltage Vst, it is regarded to be a low voltage anomaly
of the auxiliary battery 73. The process goes on to step S10 in
which guidance information or anomaly display information denoting
a low voltage anomaly of the auxiliary battery 73 is outputted to
the LCD 80, and an alarm signal is outputted to the speaker 81.
Then, the process goes back to step S1.
[0054] In the process shown in FIG. 5, the voltage detecting means
accomplishes the process of step S1 by the A/D conversion input
terminal of the engine control unit 46, and the process of steps S2
to S10 corresponds to the anomaly processing section.
[0055] In accordance with another aspect, it may be assumed that
the positive poles of the propulsion battery 71 and the auxiliary
battery 73 are in the normal state as they are isolated and their
voltages Vp and Vs are greater than the threshold voltages Vpt and
Vst, respectively. When the main switch 74 is turned on, the
sub-switch 75 is also turned on. Electric power is supplied to the
engine control unit 46 to make it operative. The engine control
unit 46 starts the engine control process by controlling the fuel
supply system, ignition timing, and other devices and systems of
the engine 3E. When the starting switch is turned on, the engine 3E
is started. The engine control unit 46 controls throttle opening
according to the throttle opening command value inputted from the
remote-control lever 6.
[0056] Along with the above process, the engine control unit 46
performs a power source anomaly control process as shown in FIG. 5.
Since the voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 and the voltage
Vs of the auxiliary battery 73 are greater than the threshold
voltages Vpt and Vst, the process moves on from step S1 through
steps S2 and S3 to step S4. In step S4, because the positive poles
of the propulsion battery 71 and the auxiliary battery 73 are
isolated from each other, the power of the propulsion battery 71 is
supplied to the starting motor, the fuel supply system, the engine
operating system, and the other propulsion devices and systems
while the power of the auxiliary battery 73 is supplied to the boat
accessories 72. Therefore, the output voltages of both batteries
71, 73 may occasionally be relatively similar (e.g., while starting
the engine), although they may not be similar for an extended
period of time. While the similar voltages of the batteries 71, 73
may result in an indication of a parallel connection anomaly, the
process may permit the voltages to be similar for a period of time.
Accordingly, the process goes back to step S1 without indicating
any anomaly display or giving out an alarm.
[0057] However, if the positive pole of the propulsion battery 71
is connected by mistake to the positive pole of the auxiliary
battery 73 so that both the batteries are interconnected in
parallel (e.g., during assembly of a new boat, new outboard motor
3, or replacement of the battery), the voltages Vp and Vs inputted
to the A/D conversion input terminals AD1 and AD2 of the engine
control unit 46 become relatively the same. Accordingly, the
absolute value .vertline..DELTA.V.vertline. of the voltage
difference .DELTA.V becomes almost zero, which is not greater than
the predetermined value .DELTA.Vx. As a result, the process moves
on from step S4 to step S5 in which parallel connection anomaly
display information denoting the parallel connection of the
batteries is outputted to the LCD 80 and an alarm is sounded.
Therefore, the operator can remove the parallel connection anomaly
by turning off the main switch 75, checking the connected state of
the propulsion battery 71 and the auxiliary battery 73 of the power
source device 70, and reconnecting them so that the positive poles
of the propulsion battery 71 and the auxiliary battery 73 are
isolated from each other.
[0058] If the output voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 does
not increase to become higher than the threshold voltage Vpt while
the main switch 74 is turned on and held on, the process proceeds
in accordance with the process illustrated in FIG. 5. Power from
the auxiliary battery 73 may be supplied through the diode D2 to
the fuel supply system and the engine control unit 46. The process
shown in FIG. 5 moves from step S2 to step S6 to determine whether
the output voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 is not higher
than the broken wire threshold voltage Vpc. If Vp.ltoreq.Vpc, or if
the output voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 is not higher
than the broken wire threshold voltage Vpc, it is determined that a
broken wire or a short circuit is present in line with the
propulsion battery 71. The process goes on to step S8, in which
power from the generator 55 is increased to secure power for the
drive system and the fuel supply system and for charging the
auxiliary battery 73.
[0059] If the determination in step S6 is that Vp>Vpc, or that
the output voltage Vp of the propulsion batter 71 is greater than
the broken wire threshold voltage Vpc, it is determined that the
propulsion battery 71 has deteriorated or power generated by the
generator 55 is insufficient. Information on the anomaly in the
propulsion battery 71 may be outputted to the LCD 80 to display the
propulsion battery 71 anomaly, and an alarm signal is outputted to
the speaker 81 to notify the operator by sounding an alarm. The
process proceeds to step S8, in which power from the generator 55
is increased to secure power for the driving system and the fuel
supply system and for charging the auxiliary battery 73.
[0060] If the output voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 is not
higher than the threshold voltage Vpt but is high enough to rotate
the starting motor 54 when the main switch 74 is activated, the
engine 3E can be started, allowing the battery to be charged by
increasing power generated with the generator 55. However, if the
output voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 is low to the extent
that cannot rotate the starting motor 54, the engine 3E cannot be
started. The process shown in FIG. 5 goes to step S7 in which
anomaly display for the propulsion battery 71 is shown, and an
alarm is sounded, informing the operator that the propulsion
battery 71 should be replaced. Because output voltage of the
auxiliary battery 73 is supplied through diode D2 to the engine
control unit 46, the process of FIG. 5 can be implemented as
described.
[0061] Because a battery anomaly is displayed and an alarm is
sounded when the charged voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71
drops below the threshold voltage Vpt, it is possible to notify the
operator of the anomaly of the propulsion battery 71 and make the
operator aware of the power conditions so it may be checked when
the boat comes back to the harbor.
[0062] Although the aspects have been described as operating with
diodes D1 and D2, it is contemplated that diodes D1 and D2 may be
replaced with semiconductor switching elements. The semiconductor
switching elements may operate such that one of the elements is
turned on based on an appropriate range of voltages of the
propulsion battery 71.
[0063] In another aspect, the power source device 70 may be
modified by replacing the diodes D1 and D2 with relay contact
points. As shown in FIG. 6, the anomaly time power supply circuit
76 of the power source device 70 may be provided with a control
relay 87 having relay contact points 85 that comprise a normally
closed contact point tnc, a normally open contact point tno, a
movable contact point tm, and a control relay 87 with a relay coil
86 for switching the movable contact point tm of the relay contact
points 85. The normally closed contact point tnc of the relay
contact points 85 is connected to the output side of the main
switch 74, the normally open contact point tno is connected to the
output side of the sub-switch 75, the movable contact point tm is
connected to the fuel supply system 12 and to the power source
input terminal pt of the engine control unit, and the relay coil 86
is connected to the output side of the engine control unit 46.
[0064] The engine control unit 46 implements the battery anomaly
control process shown in FIG. 7. The battery anomaly control
process of FIG. 7 is similar to the process shown in FIG. 5, with
some differences. Therefore, the steps in FIG. 7 that correspond to
those in FIG. 5 are provided with the same reference numerals and
their detailed explanations are omitted. Steps S11, S12, S13, and
S14 are interposed between steps S2 and S3, step S15 is interposed
between steps S2 and S6, and step S16 is interposed between steps
S6 and S7. The process includes a battery anomaly flag FS that
provides an indication of the status of the battery. The battery
anomaly flag FS may have two or more settings. In one aspect, the
battery anomaly flag FS has a "1" and a "0" setting. The "1"
setting denotes a low battery voltage state. Step S11 determines
whether the battery anomaly flag FS is set to "1," indicating a low
battery voltage state. When the battery anomaly flag FS is set to
"0," the process jumps to step S14 described later. When Step S11
determines that the battery anomaly flag FS is set to "1," the
process moves to step S12, which determines whether the voltage of
the propulsion battery 71 is higher than a threshold voltage Vpth,
which is set to be higher than the threshold voltage Vpt. When step
S12 results in Vp.ltoreq.Vpth, or when the propulsion battery
voltage Vp falls below the threshold voltage Vpth (and yet above
threshold voltage Vpt in Step 2), Step S13 sets the anomaly flag FS
to "0." Step S14, following step S13, instructs the control relay
87 to shut off application of a predetermined current to the relay
coil 86. When the voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 drops
below the threshold voltage Vpt, the process proceeds to step 15.
Step S15 switches the movable contact point tm of the relay contact
points 85 to the normally open contact point tno. The step S16 sets
the battery anomaly flag FS to "1" when the propulsion battery
voltage Vp is above the broken wire threshold Vpc.
[0065] In the process shown in FIG. 7, the function of step S1 and
the A/D conversion input terminal of the engine control unit 46
correspond to the voltage detecting means, and the functions of
steps. S2 to S16 correspond to the anomaly processing section.
[0066] In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the propulsion battery 71 and
the auxiliary battery 73 are in the normal state with voltages Vp
and Vs higher than the respective threshold voltages Vpt and Vst.
When the main switch 74 is activated, because no power is supplied
to the engine control unit 46 and the relay coil 86 of the control
relay 87 is not energized, the movable contact point tin of the
relay contact points 85 remains in its default state againt the
normally closed contact point tnc. Therefore, power of the
propulsion battery 71 is supplied to the power source input
terminal pt of the engine control unit 46 through the main switch
74, the normally closed contact point tnc, and the movable contact
point tm of the relay contact points 85, so that the engine control
unit 46 becomes operative. Therefore, the engine control process is
started with the engine control unit 46. When the starting switch
is turned on, the engine 3E starts to rotate at a revolution with a
throttle opening corresponding to the chosen position of the
remote-control lever 6.
[0067] The battery anomaly control process shown in FIG. 7 may also
be started. Because the propulsion battery 71 is normal, the
process moves from step S2 to step S11 to maintain the shut-off
state of the predetermined value of current to the relay coil 86 of
the control relay 87 and to maintain the position of the movable
contact point tm to the side of the normally closed contact point
tnc. As a result, power from the propulsion battery 71 is supplied
to the fuel supply system 12, the igniter 35b, the engine control
unit 46, the starter relay 52, and the shift control unit 60, so
that they function normally. Because power from the propulsion
battery 71 is supplied through the normally closed contact point
tnc and the movable contact point tm of the control relay 86 to the
fuel supply system 12 to the igniter 35c and to the engine control
unit 46, no voltage drop occurs between the normally closed contact
point tnc and the movable contact point tm. Therefore, the life of
the propulsion battery 71 can be increased by reducing the power
loss that may result when power is supplied through the diode D1,
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0068] When the voltage of electric power from the generator 55
exceeds the charged voltages Vp and Vs of the propulsion battery 71
and the auxiliary battery 73, the electric power is supplied
through the diodes D3 and D4 to the starter relay 52, the fuel
supply system 12, the igniter 35b, the engine control unit 46, and
the shift control unit 60, so that surplus electric power charges
the propulsion battery 71 and the auxiliary battery 73.
[0069] When the propulsion battery 71 changes from the normal state
to the low battery voltage anomaly state, in which the output
voltage Vp is not higher than the threshold voltage Vpt, the
process shown in FIG. 7 moves from step S2 to step S15, in which a
predetermined value of current is supplied to the relay coil 85 of
the control relay 86. As a result, the movable contact point tm is
switched to the normally open contact point tno. Therefore, in
place of the propulsion battery 71, the auxiliary battery 73
supplies electric power to the fuel supply system 12, the igniter
35b, the engine control unit 46, and the shift control unit 60 to
maintain the operationg of the engine.
[0070] When the output voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 is
higher than the broken wire threshold voltage Vpc, the process goes
to step S16 to set the battery anomaly flag FS to "1" and moves on
to the step S7 to show an anomaly display for the propulsion
battery on the LCD 80 and to sound an alarm from the speaker 81.
Further in step S8, the speed of the engine 3E is increased to
increase the output of the generator 55. Therefore, the propulsion
battery 71 and the auxiliary battery 73 are able to be charged by
the generator 55. When the output voltage Vp of the propulsion
battery 71 is not higher than the broken wire threshold voltage
Vpc, the process goes to step S9 to show a display of broken wire
anomaly for the propulsion battery 71 on the LCD 80, to sound an
alarm from the speaker 81, and to initiate the process of
increasing electricity from the generator 55.
[0071] Also in this state, since electric power is supplied from
the auxiliary battery 73 through the relay contact points 85 to the
fuel supply system 12, the igniter 35b, and the engine control unit
46, it is possible to reduce power losses due to internal
resistance. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, there are no diodes in
the connection between the auxiliary batter 73 and the fuel supply
system 12. While diodes may be used in some aspects, in the aspects
that do not include diodes, the voltage drop across the diodes may
be removed with the diodes, thus reducing the power losses in the
system.
[0072] When the output voltage Vp is higher than the broken wire
threshold voltage Vpc, the propulsion battery 71 is charged with
electricity from the generator 55, and the battery's 71 charged
voltage Vp becomes greater than the threshold voltage Vpt. When the
propulsion battery voltage Vp becomes greater than the threshold
voltage Vpt, the process shown in FIG. 7 moves from step S2 to step
S11. Since the battery anomaly flag FS is set to "1," the process
goes to step S12. If the output voltage Vp is lower than the
threshold voltage Vpth, which is higher than the threshold voltage
Vpt, the process moves to step S15 to maintain electric power
supply from the auxiliary battery 73.
[0073] When the charged voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71
exceeds the threshold voltage Vpth, the process goes from step S12
to step S13 to set the battery anomaly flag FS to "0." The process
moves to step S14, which deactivates the relay coil 86, bringing
the movable contact point tm to the normally closed contact point
tnc in order to resume power supply from the propulsion battery 71
to the fuel supply system 12, the igniter 35b, the engine control
unit 46, and the shift control unit 60. Providing a hysteresis
characteristic as described above to resume electric power supply
from the propulsion battery 71 when the charged voltage Vp of the
propulsion battery 71 lowers below the threshold voltage Vpt (not
attributable to a broken wire or short circuit) and when the
charged voltage Vp of the propulsion battery 71 exceeds the
threshold voltage Vpth, which is higher than the threshold voltage
Vpt, may increase the stability of the power supply while avoiding
the relay contact points 85 of the control relay 87 from falling
into hunting state.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, if the propulsion battery 71 and
auxiliary battery 73 are connected in parallel by mistake, the
process moves from step S4 to step S5 to show a parallel connection
anomaly display on the LCD 80 and sound an alarm from the speaker
81.
[0075] Although aspects described above may display the battery
anomaly and give out an alarm when the charged voltage Vp of the
propulsion battery 71 lowers, the invention is not limited to those
aspects. Rather, the battery anomaly display and the alarm may be
omitted. Additionally, while aspects described above are assumed to
employ the LCD 80 as a displaying device, the displaying device is
not limited to an LCD, but any other type of image displaying
device may also be employed such as the CRT display, a displaying
device for indicating the battery anomaly by illuminating light
emitting diodes, for example. Likewise, the speaker 81 may be
replaced with a buzzer. Further, while aspects above are described
as adapted to give out an alarm sound from the speaker 81, this is
not required. Rather, a speech synthesizing circuit may be provided
to give out voice information corresponding to the abnormal state
of the battery.
[0076] While some aspects are described as employing an outboard
motor 3 the number of the outboard motor is not limited to one.
When a plurality of outboard motors 3 is employed, while one
auxiliary battery 73 may be sufficient, a plurality of propulsion
batteries 71 may be used that correspond to the number of outboard
motors 3. Accordingly, power from the auxiliary battery 73 may be
supplied through diode D2 or the relay contact point to the
respective outboard motors 3.
[0077] While some aspects do not supply power from the auxiliary
battery 73 to the starter relay 52, other arrangements are also
contemplated. In some aspects, the auxiliary battery 73 may supply
power to the starter relay 52 while the starting switch is on. This
may be particularly beneficial when the charged voltage Vp of the
propulsion battery 71 is not higher than the threshold voltage
Vpt.
[0078] While some aspects describe the engine 3E of the outboard
motor 3 as a four-stroke cycle, fuel injection type, other engines
may also be used. The aspects disclosed herein may also be applied
to direct injection type and two-stroke cycle type of engines.
[0079] While the aspects describe the propulsion battery 71 as a
single battery, this is not a limitation. The propulsion battery 71
may be made up of a plurality of batteries connected in parallel or
series.
[0080] While the engine control unit 46 implements the battery
anomaly control process in some aspects, the process may be
implemented by other devices or components. For example, the shift
control unit 60 may be provided with A/D conversion input terminals
AD1 and AD2 so that the battery anomaly control process is
implemented with the shift control unit 60.
[0081] Although the aspects described the engine control unit 46
and the shift control unit 60 as distinct, they may be replaced
with a single control unit.
[0082] In one aspect, electric power supply from the auxiliary
battery to the propulsion battery is made through the anomaly time
power supply circuit when the propulsion battery becomes low in
voltage. Therefore, an effect is provided that the propulsion
device can be operated in a stabilized manner by securing electric
power supplied from the auxiliary battery to the propulsion device.
When the propulsion battery becomes low in voltage, the anomaly
time power supply circuit causes the auxiliary battery to supply
electric power to the propulsion battery, so that power may be
supplied from the propulsion battery to the propulsion device in a
stabilized manner (e.g., without relying solely on the
generator).
[0083] Because the voltages of the propulsion battery and the
auxiliary battery are individually detected with the voltage
detecting means, it is possible to acquire the voltage drop state
of the individual batteries from the detected voltages, and to
detect incorrect, parallel connection made by mistake between the
propulsion battery and the auxiliary battery. Therefore, when the
above battery anomalies occur, it is possible for the anomaly
processing section to carry out anomaly processing actions, such as
increasing the ability of the generator charging the abnormal
battery and giving out an alarm. Because the anomaly processing
section gives out an alarm of low battery anomaly when it detects
an anomaly, a low battery voltage, an effect is provided that it is
possible to securely notify the boat operator of the low battery
voltage so that checkup, replacement, or the like of the battery is
made securely when the boat comes back to the harbor.
[0084] The voltages of the propulsion battery and the auxiliary
battery are detected to make it possible to determine the presence
of a parallel connection anomaly, parallel connection of both
batteries made by mistake, when variations of the voltages are in
agreement. Thus, an effect is provided that it is possible to
accurately detect the parallel connection anomaly of the batteries.
It is possible to supply electric power of the auxiliary battery
when the voltage of the propulsion battery lowers by means of a
simple constitution of the anomaly time power supply circuit in
which both the batteries are interconnected through a pair of
diodes for preventing electric power from flowing around.
[0085] The relay switch may be configured to be off when the
propulsion battery is normal, thereby shutting off electric power
supply from the auxiliary battery to the propulsion battery, and to
be on by sending a control signal to the relay switch when the
voltage of the propulsion battery lowers, thereby making electric
power supply from the auxiliary battery to the propulsion battery.
Because it is only to interpose a switch contact point in the power
supply route from the auxiliary battery to the propulsion battery,
an effect is provided that it is possible to reduce electric power
loss without causing a voltage drop at the switch contact point.
Because the relay switch for supplying electric power from the
auxiliary battery to the propulsion battery is turned on by a
control signal outputted from the anomaly processing section when a
voltage drop of the propulsion battery is detected, the auxiliary
battery is normally separated completely from the propulsion
battery. Therefore, an effect is provided that electric power
supply from the auxiliary battery to the propulsion battery is made
possible only when the voltage of the propulsion battery
lowers.
[0086] The power source device for the boat may further be adapted
such that the anomaly processing section gives out an alarm of low
voltage anomaly for the battery in question when a low voltage is
detected either in the propulsion battery or in the auxiliary
battery. Accordingly, because the anomaly processing section gives
out an alarm of low battery anomaly when it detects an anomaly, a
low battery voltage, it is possible to securely notify the boat
operator of the low battery voltage so that checkup, replacement,
or the like, of the battery is made securely when the boat comes
back to the harbor.
[0087] In accordance with one aspect, the anomaly processing
section may be adapted to detect a parallel connection anomaly of
the propulsion battery and the auxiliary battery based on the
voltages of both batteries. The voltages of the propulsion battery
and the auxiliary battery may be detected to make it possible to
determine the presence of a parallel connection anomaly in which
both batteries are connected in parallel by mistake when voltage
variations are in agreement. Thus, it is possible to securely
detect the parallel connection anomaly of the batteries.
[0088] In accordance with another aspect, the anomaly time power
supply circuit may be configured such that the positive pole side
of the auxiliary battery is connected to the positive pole side of
the propulsion battery through a pair of diodes to prevent electric
power from flowing around from one to the other of the propulsion
battery and the auxiliary battery. This may make it possible to
supply electric power of the auxiliary battery when the voltage of
the propulsion battery lowers by means of a simple constitution of
the anomaly time power supply circuit in which both the batteries
are interconnected through a pair of diodes for preventing electric
power from flowing around.
[0089] In accordance with another aspect, the anomaly time power
supply circuit may be provided with a relay switch for connecting
the positive pole side of the auxiliary battery to the positive
pole side of the propulsion battery by the input of a control
signal. The supply circuit may be adapted to control the relay
switch to be off when the propulsion battery is normal, thereby
shutting off electric power supply from the auxiliary battery to
the propulsion battery, and to be on by sending a control signal to
the relay switch when the voltage of the propulsion battery lowers,
thereby making electric power supply from the auxiliary battery to
the propulsion battery. Because it is merely to interpose a switch
contact point in the power supply route from the auxiliary battery
to the propulsion battery, it is possible to reduce electric power
loss without causing a voltage drop at the switch contact
point.
[0090] In accordance with another aspect, the anomaly time power
supply circuit may be provided with a relay switch for connecting
the positive pole side of the auxiliary battery to the positive
pole side of the propulsion battery, and the relay switch is driven
with a control signal outputted from the anomaly processing section
when a low voltage of the propulsion battery is detected. The relay
switch for supplying electric power from the auxiliary battery to
the propulsion battery may be turned on by a control signal
outputted from the anomaly processing section when a voltage drop
of the propulsion battery is detected. The auxiliary battery is
normally separated completely from the propulsion battery so that
electric power supply from the auxiliary battery to the propulsion
battery is made possible only when the voltage of the propulsion
battery lowers.
[0091] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the
context of certain preferred aspects and examples, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention
extends beyond the specifically disclosed aspects to other
alternative aspects and/or uses of the present invention and
obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a
number of variations of the present invention have been shown and
described in detail, other modifications, which are within the
scope of present invention, will be readily apparent to those of
skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also
contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the
specific features and aspects of the aspects may be made and still
fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it
should be understood that various features and aspects of the
disclosed aspects can be combined with or substituted for one
another in order to form varying modes of the present invention.
Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein
disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed aspects
described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of
the claims that follow.
* * * * *